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Clan Kendrick #5
The Highlander's Holiday Wife
Filled with saucy wit, surprising twists, and unforgettable lovers, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Kelly's captivating historical romance series puts the most levelheaded Kendrick at the center of a passionate and perilous adventure...
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...
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...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 27, 2022
83 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Kelly
36 books1,762 followersVanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.
After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 25, 2022
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, a strong and capable female protagonist, a kind and caring male protagonist, loving and supportive friends and family, a touch of humor, an endearing grandfather, mystery, murder, intrigue, loss, secrets, kidnapping, and a heart warming romance with a happily ever after ending. This is the fifth entry in Ms. Kelly's Clan Kendrick series, and can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. The glimpses of the secondary characters' past events have piqued my interest in reading their stories.
NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
October 24, 2022
✨He wears GLASSES.✨
This wasn’t too Christmasy, so I think you could read it at any time of the year. This is definitely a mystery heavy romance, but it was easy to follow, especially since it was book five in a series I haven’t read before. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration and obviously the accents 🤤
I think I am rightfully hurt that this was closed door because sex was referenced and the build up was hot and definitely not shying away from the act 😭 I needed that extra layer in their relationship because he said “I love you” pretty darn quickly (once everything went down).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. The mystery maybe overtook the romance a bit too much for my tastes, especially with it being closed door. I’d definitely consider reading more from the author if some of her older books had some steam (let me know any recs below!). If you’re already a fan of the author, I think you’ll love this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶/5
Thanks so much to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for gifted copies of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
This wasn’t too Christmasy, so I think you could read it at any time of the year. This is definitely a mystery heavy romance, but it was easy to follow, especially since it was book five in a series I haven’t read before. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration and obviously the accents 🤤
I think I am rightfully hurt that this was closed door because sex was referenced and the build up was hot and definitely not shying away from the act 😭 I needed that extra layer in their relationship because he said “I love you” pretty darn quickly (once everything went down).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. The mystery maybe overtook the romance a bit too much for my tastes, especially with it being closed door. I’d definitely consider reading more from the author if some of her older books had some steam (let me know any recs below!). If you’re already a fan of the author, I think you’ll love this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶/5
Thanks so much to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for gifted copies of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
October 3, 2022
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.
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.
September 27, 2022
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.
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.
August 15, 2022
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.
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.
June 10, 2022
Absolutely, Wonderful story of loss, retribution and new love. Samantha is a lady of the ton and as such to act appropriately. Yet she’s found a way to search the stews for her husband’s murderer. Braden is a Doctor whose patients are mostly from the stews as well. All the characters are fantastic, realistic and entertaining. Dr Kendrick has a huge, loud Scottish family. This story has action, mystery, intrigue, suspense and romance. Once started I couldn’t put this book down until the end. I look forward to reading future books by Ms Kelly.
December 2, 2022
3.5 stars for the HIghlander's Holiday Wife! It starts out as Braden Kendrick, pro bono doctor to Edinburgh's impoverished class, is attacked by an irate man on his way home from the slums. He's rescued by a mysterious duo comprised of a hulking man and a sword-wielding woman who communicate with each other in sign language.
Samantha Penwith is a woman on a mission: avenge her husband's death and solve the mystery of orphans gone missing from her foundling home. Rescuing Braden was just a throwaway good deed on her way home from investigating. Soon after their superhero-esque meet-cute they meet for real when Braden is asked to join the board of her foundling home. As they spend more time together, they learn that they have more in common than they expect.
Despite what seems like a bonkers premise, this is more of a gentle, low steam romance. Samantha and Braden are both highlanders, but it's more of a cultural affinity here rather than the alpha highlanders so prevalent in HR. Sure, there are a few kilts and references to whisky, but the Scottish setting feels more realistic here. We could have done with a little more Christmas spirit (give us Scottish traditions, mistletoe kisses, and extravagant gifts!), but the romance felt authentic and the mystery plot was well-executed. Pick this one up if you're looking for a relaxing holiday romance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Samantha Penwith is a woman on a mission: avenge her husband's death and solve the mystery of orphans gone missing from her foundling home. Rescuing Braden was just a throwaway good deed on her way home from investigating. Soon after their superhero-esque meet-cute they meet for real when Braden is asked to join the board of her foundling home. As they spend more time together, they learn that they have more in common than they expect.
Despite what seems like a bonkers premise, this is more of a gentle, low steam romance. Samantha and Braden are both highlanders, but it's more of a cultural affinity here rather than the alpha highlanders so prevalent in HR. Sure, there are a few kilts and references to whisky, but the Scottish setting feels more realistic here. We could have done with a little more Christmas spirit (give us Scottish traditions, mistletoe kisses, and extravagant gifts!), but the romance felt authentic and the mystery plot was well-executed. Pick this one up if you're looking for a relaxing holiday romance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
September 14, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Clan Kendrick #5
Publication Date: 9/27/22
Period: Regency Edinburgh - 1826
Number of Pages: 352
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.
Series: Clan Kendrick #5
Publication Date: 9/27/22
Period: Regency Edinburgh - 1826
Number of Pages: 352
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.
September 29, 2022
Ever since her husband was murdered, Highlands native Lady Samantha Penwith has devoted her nights to searching Edinburgh’s seedier streets for his killer. On her latest sortie, she and her companion interrupt an attempted robbery and then disappear, leaving the intended victim puzzled but grateful for the intervention.
Braden Kendrick is a very dedicated doctor, often ignoring considerations for his own safety in the name of treating some of the city’s poorest residents. But after his close call with violence, he’s determined to uncover the identity of the mysterious lady who saved him. When he does learn who she is, it means facing his own painful past and learning to risk falling in love again just in time for Christmas.
I’m so sad to have to review this book in this way after how much I looked forward to it. I’ve really enjoyed the Kendrick family and have been anticipating strong, silent Braden’s story for some time. I found Samantha to be rather unreasonable in her reluctance to accept Braden’s help and she came off as reckless and hypocritical when it came to safety concerns, especially considering how she and Braden initially met. It was a good thing Braden was persistent, but I was left wondering how Braden was somehow suddenly in love with Samantha despite the fact that she’d been pretty mean to him, and they hadn’t even so much as touched. That said, we did have a promising slow burn here, but then it disappointingly faded to black and without that connection, we’re only told that love has developed between Braden and Samantha, but I didn’t feel that it was ever really shown. The romance was slow but also rushed and it just didn’t exactly feel romantic to me given the on-page interactions we did get between Samantha and Braden, especially coupled with all the other plot lines that were going on. I did appreciate that this serious-toned book was broken up by some Kendrick family humor, but Samantha’s villainous grandfather-in-law was a lot and I’m still not sure how things were resolved with him. The villains in this story were pretty obvious from the beginning, so that did lessen the mystery a bit and make Samantha seem a bit air-headed, but their motivations were rather cobbled together and never all that clear. Overall, this was an entertaining story but it was lighter on the romance than I’d hoped, especially for such a highly anticipated read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Braden Kendrick is a very dedicated doctor, often ignoring considerations for his own safety in the name of treating some of the city’s poorest residents. But after his close call with violence, he’s determined to uncover the identity of the mysterious lady who saved him. When he does learn who she is, it means facing his own painful past and learning to risk falling in love again just in time for Christmas.
I’m so sad to have to review this book in this way after how much I looked forward to it. I’ve really enjoyed the Kendrick family and have been anticipating strong, silent Braden’s story for some time. I found Samantha to be rather unreasonable in her reluctance to accept Braden’s help and she came off as reckless and hypocritical when it came to safety concerns, especially considering how she and Braden initially met. It was a good thing Braden was persistent, but I was left wondering how Braden was somehow suddenly in love with Samantha despite the fact that she’d been pretty mean to him, and they hadn’t even so much as touched. That said, we did have a promising slow burn here, but then it disappointingly faded to black and without that connection, we’re only told that love has developed between Braden and Samantha, but I didn’t feel that it was ever really shown. The romance was slow but also rushed and it just didn’t exactly feel romantic to me given the on-page interactions we did get between Samantha and Braden, especially coupled with all the other plot lines that were going on. I did appreciate that this serious-toned book was broken up by some Kendrick family humor, but Samantha’s villainous grandfather-in-law was a lot and I’m still not sure how things were resolved with him. The villains in this story were pretty obvious from the beginning, so that did lessen the mystery a bit and make Samantha seem a bit air-headed, but their motivations were rather cobbled together and never all that clear. Overall, this was an entertaining story but it was lighter on the romance than I’d hoped, especially for such a highly anticipated read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
September 25, 2022
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
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
November 28, 2022
I can honestly say it’s rare that I’ll read a murder/mystery/romance but this one was good. Just a heads up, the Christmas part really only comes into play in the epilogue. They mention it being around Christmas once or twice throughout the book but I honestly forgot about it.
Lady Samantha’s husband has been murdered and she is left to care for her deaf sister in law and her husbands charity foundation. She is also trying to figure out what happened and why her husband was murdered. Dr. Braden Kendrick is the physician in his large highlander family and works himself to the bone. His good friend asks him to be on the board of Samantha’s charity.
The good Dr. and Samantha get to know each other, they work to find out who killed her husband and what’s going on with the charity. Some romance is sprinkled in along with a nasty grandfather in law and some entertaining clan Kendrick members.
Lady Samantha’s husband has been murdered and she is left to care for her deaf sister in law and her husbands charity foundation. She is also trying to figure out what happened and why her husband was murdered. Dr. Braden Kendrick is the physician in his large highlander family and works himself to the bone. His good friend asks him to be on the board of Samantha’s charity.
The good Dr. and Samantha get to know each other, they work to find out who killed her husband and what’s going on with the charity. Some romance is sprinkled in along with a nasty grandfather in law and some entertaining clan Kendrick members.
October 21, 2022
It lacks the characteristics that make other books successful in the series.
March 23, 2023
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly is the fifth Clan Kendrick book. Lady Samantha Penwith is on a mission to find her husband’s murderer. Her husband was the founder of a charitable school for orphaned children. During her latest secret excursion into the dangerous parts of town, she rescues a man from assault. Braden Kendrick is the sensible one in his family. As a doctor, though, he does find himself taking late-nights calls in the dangerous parts of town. When Braden is rescued by a mysterious woman, he is determined to discover her identity. When the truth is discovered, Braden and Samantha must face their pasts and open themselves to love once more, all while working to crack the case together.
I really liked the mystery in this book. I found myself trying to figure everything out along with the characters. Braden and Samantha were wonderful together. The Kendricks are such a joy!
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly is the fifth Clan Kendrick book. Lady Samantha Penwith is on a mission to find her husband’s murderer. Her husband was the founder of a charitable school for orphaned children. During her latest secret excursion into the dangerous parts of town, she rescues a man from assault. Braden Kendrick is the sensible one in his family. As a doctor, though, he does find himself taking late-nights calls in the dangerous parts of town. When Braden is rescued by a mysterious woman, he is determined to discover her identity. When the truth is discovered, Braden and Samantha must face their pasts and open themselves to love once more, all while working to crack the case together.
I really liked the mystery in this book. I found myself trying to figure everything out along with the characters. Braden and Samantha were wonderful together. The Kendricks are such a joy!
October 20, 2022
I have been waiting so long for Braden's HEA! It was a good one too definitely worth the wait. I loved Samantha for him. She was fearless. A young widow looking for justice and vengeance takes to the streets to find answers. Braden falls head over heels with her. But Braden has been hurt in the past and is scared to love again. Samantha is almost the same she feels like she can't move on from her husband. It was a fantastic story very exciting lovely romance.
October 5, 2022
Vanessa Kelly knows how to deliver on a sweet, highlander romance. Her writing is immersive with lovely world building that gives her novel a gravity of authenticity to it. I always feel like her characters are well crafted and fully dimensional. Her novels are low on the steam, more along the lines of a Georgette Heyer novels, and while they are low steam they are still beautifully romantic. Definitely pick up a Kelly novel if you are in the mood for a romance that has a comforting pace and feel and leaves your heart feeling warm and joyful!
In The Highlander's Holiday Wife, Christmas time is abound in Edinburgh, but Lady Samantha is on a secret mission to unmask her beloved husband's murderers and has no time for the holiday festivities. When Samantha rescues Braden, a dedicated doctor, after an attack in the middle of the night, he finds himself willing to risk his heart to help her on her mission.
This fifth installment in the Clan Kendrick series is a delightful edition, that can definitely be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this novel and found it to be an interesting and well paced read. Kelly balance's the mystery, romance and holiday spirit with ease and grace. Samantha is determined, smart and witty, I really loved her as a heroine, she is hard working, she has strong morals but she is not afraid to open herself up to another. Braden as a hero is a delight, he and Samantha have so many of the same great qualities. They both are dedicated to others and they build such a beautiful friendship that becomes a solid foundation for their romance. Their relationship is definitely built on trust and understanding and a true respect for each other. I really loved watching them grow together, work together, support each other and respect each other. They both have an understanding of the other, they both have experience of lost love and they both find comfort and joy in experience love for a second time.
Definite must read for any Vanessa Kelly fans or any historical romance lover that enjoys a novel that explores a more realistic feel for the time. I really enjoy Kelly's works and will continue enjoying her backlist.
Thank you to Zebra Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
In The Highlander's Holiday Wife, Christmas time is abound in Edinburgh, but Lady Samantha is on a secret mission to unmask her beloved husband's murderers and has no time for the holiday festivities. When Samantha rescues Braden, a dedicated doctor, after an attack in the middle of the night, he finds himself willing to risk his heart to help her on her mission.
This fifth installment in the Clan Kendrick series is a delightful edition, that can definitely be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this novel and found it to be an interesting and well paced read. Kelly balance's the mystery, romance and holiday spirit with ease and grace. Samantha is determined, smart and witty, I really loved her as a heroine, she is hard working, she has strong morals but she is not afraid to open herself up to another. Braden as a hero is a delight, he and Samantha have so many of the same great qualities. They both are dedicated to others and they build such a beautiful friendship that becomes a solid foundation for their romance. Their relationship is definitely built on trust and understanding and a true respect for each other. I really loved watching them grow together, work together, support each other and respect each other. They both have an understanding of the other, they both have experience of lost love and they both find comfort and joy in experience love for a second time.
Definite must read for any Vanessa Kelly fans or any historical romance lover that enjoys a novel that explores a more realistic feel for the time. I really enjoy Kelly's works and will continue enjoying her backlist.
Thank you to Zebra Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 29, 2022
Maybe 3.5 stars
When Dr. Braden Kendrick is attacked in Old Town and saved by a sword-wielding young woman, he never imagined she would turn out to be Lady Samantha Penwith, the very proper widow of Roger Penwith, founder of the Penwith Philanthropic Foundation – an orphanage and school for both boys and girls of Edinburgh. He wonders why she is roaming the streets of Old Town at night and is further intrigued when his friend Dr. John Blackmore explains that Samantha is now running the foundation and is also caring for Roger’s deaf, teenage sister Felicity. John wants Braden to join the foundation as a board member to lend support to Samantha, he resists at first, but ultimately agrees, especially since he feels an attraction to Samantha that he thought he would never feel again.
Samantha deeply mourns her beloved husband and is determined to find his killers, which is why she is roaming the streets at night with only a dedicated family retainer at her side. Her jaunts into the underbelly of Old Town are twofold, first and foremost, she wants to find Roger’s murderer, but she is also looking for children that have gone missing from the orphanage, the more she investigates, the more sure she is that the two are connected and that both are tied to the Foundation. Braden intrigues her too and stirs feelings she thought died with her husband, but with the problems at the foundation and her husband’s crotchety grandfather trying to take Felicity from her, she doesn’t have the time to explore those feelings. However, when Samantha and Braden are found in a compromising position, marriage may be the only way to save Felicity and her late husband’s legacy. But will the answers they seek bring peace and let them both get a second chance at love or will truth break them?
This installment of the Kendrick brothers saga features Dr. Brenden Kendrick, the second to the youngest brother. Honestly, this book read more like a mystery than a romance, which would be fine except for the fact that this is a second-chance romance in which both the hero and heroine have been in love and lost their love. I didn’t feel as if the romance got the attention it deserved and the love scenes were basically nonexistent. I did think the mystery was excellent and perfectly executed, I also enjoyed the cameos from Logan, Kade, Angus, Donella as well as, John and Bathsheba Blackmore. Overall, it was a very good historical mystery, with a dash of a very slow-burning, second chance at love romance. This is the fifth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
When Dr. Braden Kendrick is attacked in Old Town and saved by a sword-wielding young woman, he never imagined she would turn out to be Lady Samantha Penwith, the very proper widow of Roger Penwith, founder of the Penwith Philanthropic Foundation – an orphanage and school for both boys and girls of Edinburgh. He wonders why she is roaming the streets of Old Town at night and is further intrigued when his friend Dr. John Blackmore explains that Samantha is now running the foundation and is also caring for Roger’s deaf, teenage sister Felicity. John wants Braden to join the foundation as a board member to lend support to Samantha, he resists at first, but ultimately agrees, especially since he feels an attraction to Samantha that he thought he would never feel again.
Samantha deeply mourns her beloved husband and is determined to find his killers, which is why she is roaming the streets at night with only a dedicated family retainer at her side. Her jaunts into the underbelly of Old Town are twofold, first and foremost, she wants to find Roger’s murderer, but she is also looking for children that have gone missing from the orphanage, the more she investigates, the more sure she is that the two are connected and that both are tied to the Foundation. Braden intrigues her too and stirs feelings she thought died with her husband, but with the problems at the foundation and her husband’s crotchety grandfather trying to take Felicity from her, she doesn’t have the time to explore those feelings. However, when Samantha and Braden are found in a compromising position, marriage may be the only way to save Felicity and her late husband’s legacy. But will the answers they seek bring peace and let them both get a second chance at love or will truth break them?
This installment of the Kendrick brothers saga features Dr. Brenden Kendrick, the second to the youngest brother. Honestly, this book read more like a mystery than a romance, which would be fine except for the fact that this is a second-chance romance in which both the hero and heroine have been in love and lost their love. I didn’t feel as if the romance got the attention it deserved and the love scenes were basically nonexistent. I did think the mystery was excellent and perfectly executed, I also enjoyed the cameos from Logan, Kade, Angus, Donella as well as, John and Bathsheba Blackmore. Overall, it was a very good historical mystery, with a dash of a very slow-burning, second chance at love romance. This is the fifth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
June 10, 2022
Oh my gosh!! All the girly squeals happening right now! This beautiful book whisked me away and gave me quite a grand adventure. Murder, intrigue, kidnapping, betrayal, and second chance romance await. And of course Clan Kendrick to the rescue. What an unputdownable tale.
Braden and Samantha are two halves of the same soul. They've carried their wounded hearts along for far too long. Both feel obligations and guilt and are justice seekers by nature. Seeing them rely upon each other, to share their worlds and hearts was tenderly touching.
The supporting characters were larger than life and really made this an endearing edition to a series that is superb in every way. How could you possibly choose a favorite?!
Ms. Kelly knows how to entertain and keep a reader captivated for hours upon hours. This will leave you with a happy tear or two, as it settles into your heart.
Braden and Samantha are two halves of the same soul. They've carried their wounded hearts along for far too long. Both feel obligations and guilt and are justice seekers by nature. Seeing them rely upon each other, to share their worlds and hearts was tenderly touching.
The supporting characters were larger than life and really made this an endearing edition to a series that is superb in every way. How could you possibly choose a favorite?!
Ms. Kelly knows how to entertain and keep a reader captivated for hours upon hours. This will leave you with a happy tear or two, as it settles into your heart.
September 5, 2022
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.
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.
June 10, 2022
In 1826 Edinburgh, physician Braden Kendrick visits patients in dangerous Old Town. But when he runs into an old enemy, he’s saved by two strangers, one who’s a young woman who signs with her partner. Braden is intrigued and follows their trail.
Lady Samantha Penwith is running her late husband’s orphanage and has sworn to find the assailants who murdered him and find kidnapped children. On her latest excursion, she interrupts Braden’s assault, and then fears the doctor will realize who she is, especially as they being to work together on the board of her foundation.
Braden is kind and dedicated to his profession, and his family struggles to understand his busy life. It was tough to see an adult be lectured by his family. His family took up too much page time, even for a romance series. Braden and Samantha needed that page time. Samantha is determined, but she either trips or reveals too much when nervous in order to progress the plot and it makes her seem stupid. Their relationship felt very forced. They spent more time talking about past loves than their own relationship.
The language was distractingly modern. Bottle rockets were even referenced.
This was both slow and all over the place. Both mystery plots were lost when Samantha’s grandfather-in-law interfered with her sister-in-law. The romance is very rushed. Too much of the mysteries’ progress was managed off page, often by the Kendricks clan. It was a mess and the villains were obvious, but their motivations and clues were never set up for the reader to discover. Everything was just told to you.
2.5 I received an arc from NetGalley
Lady Samantha Penwith is running her late husband’s orphanage and has sworn to find the assailants who murdered him and find kidnapped children. On her latest excursion, she interrupts Braden’s assault, and then fears the doctor will realize who she is, especially as they being to work together on the board of her foundation.
Braden is kind and dedicated to his profession, and his family struggles to understand his busy life. It was tough to see an adult be lectured by his family. His family took up too much page time, even for a romance series. Braden and Samantha needed that page time. Samantha is determined, but she either trips or reveals too much when nervous in order to progress the plot and it makes her seem stupid. Their relationship felt very forced. They spent more time talking about past loves than their own relationship.
The language was distractingly modern. Bottle rockets were even referenced.
This was both slow and all over the place. Both mystery plots were lost when Samantha’s grandfather-in-law interfered with her sister-in-law. The romance is very rushed. Too much of the mysteries’ progress was managed off page, often by the Kendricks clan. It was a mess and the villains were obvious, but their motivations and clues were never set up for the reader to discover. Everything was just told to you.
2.5 I received an arc from NetGalley
September 23, 2022
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)
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)
October 20, 2022
Book: The Highlander’s Holiday Wife
By Vanesssa Kelly
Series: Clan Kendrick , Book #5
Publisher: Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing
Book Rating: 5/5 stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Star
Edinburgh, Scotland 1826
Widow, Lady Samantha Penwith is searching for her husband’s murderer and the missing children from the charitable orphanage for boys he was the founder of. She traveled the dangerous stews in Old Town. It was dangerous but she always brings Donny with her, he is a lifetime employee that has worked for her family since she was a little girl. Never did she expect to rescue Dr, Kendrick’s life in this bad part of town. Now beside trying to find her husband’s killer, which caused another tragedy for Samantha that nearly killed her from the shock of losing her husband Roger. On top of that she cares for her deceased husband’s young deaf sister Felicity.
The problem is her grandfather-in law is a nasty old goat and has legal custody of Felicity. Now Felicity hates her grandfather for good reason, a girl he is definitely ashamed and embarrassed of who he ignores and shows no affection. He would just hide her away in his estate with no life at all, but threatens to take her away from Samantha if she brings scandal or things he considers not of a pious, conservative, life. Nothing Samantha can do will ever be good enough for him, he is only impressed by titles and old money and can’t even smile at his own granddaughter and only feels shame. The one thing he truly hates is highlanders especially those rambunctious scandalous MacKendricks!
Now Braden Kendrick who was first introduced as a child in The Highlander Who Protected me, Royal’s book as even then he dreamed of becoming a physician. Well Braden who is the calmest Kendrick besides his younger brother the musical prodigy Kade who had been deathly sick as a child .
Her latest rescue is Dr. Braden Kendrick being cornered a wife beater who wants to kill him for advising the ruffian’s wife to divorce her husband. So she quickly threatens the ruffians with a couple shots, of course the cowards took off. Now Braeden is dying to know who his female rescuer is and soon realizes after se..meeting Samantha’s sister in law Felicity. As Samantha is good friends with Braden good friend and fellow Doctor John Bathmord and his wife Bathsheba and now realizes he knows sign language and could understand he and Donny’s speech on the night she saved him. Now her fellow friend and Dr John Blackmore and His wife Bathsheba which didn’t take long for Braden to realize her deceased husband needed financial help and meeting Felicity he realizes she it was Samantha and Donny who saved his life, Noe Samantha’s husband has been gone for neatly tow years but can’t move on with her life until she finds her husbands killers and now these missing orphans. Samantha agrees to meet with Braden and they are both instantly attracted to each other. Yet Braden also suffered a big loss in his past too, so he has not been involved with ever since. Now when she does accepts Braden’s help when Donny I hurt and can’t travel the dangerous streets . Except het grandfather in law thinks she is having an affair with one of those awaful Kendrick highlanders. A clan he detests and thretens to take Felicity away and as her legal guardian there is nothing she can do, yet Braden thinks of one option but will Samantha accept. Read and find out in another fabulous Kendrick story.
Again Vanessa Kelly pen another phenomenal tale that has a mystery,suspense as the holidays approach plus a historical love adventure too. This is a sweet clean historical romance too which I really loved too. The plotting of this book was absolutely extraordinarily and definitely swept this reader away. I am really looking forward to Cade’s book as I love that he has groupies already. Of course Angus the Kendrick grandfather is always hilarious like a big teddy bear in his unorganized faded kilt who loves babies and young children. A book I highly recommend.
Clan Kendrick by Vanessa Kelly
Book One:The Highlander Who Protected Me
Book Two:The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
Book Three: The Highlander’s English Bride
Book Four:The Highlander’s Irish Bride
Book Five: The Highlander’s Holiday Wife
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Kelly/...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile...
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-h...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
By Vanesssa Kelly
Series: Clan Kendrick , Book #5
Publisher: Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing
Book Rating: 5/5 stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Star
Edinburgh, Scotland 1826
Widow, Lady Samantha Penwith is searching for her husband’s murderer and the missing children from the charitable orphanage for boys he was the founder of. She traveled the dangerous stews in Old Town. It was dangerous but she always brings Donny with her, he is a lifetime employee that has worked for her family since she was a little girl. Never did she expect to rescue Dr, Kendrick’s life in this bad part of town. Now beside trying to find her husband’s killer, which caused another tragedy for Samantha that nearly killed her from the shock of losing her husband Roger. On top of that she cares for her deceased husband’s young deaf sister Felicity.
The problem is her grandfather-in law is a nasty old goat and has legal custody of Felicity. Now Felicity hates her grandfather for good reason, a girl he is definitely ashamed and embarrassed of who he ignores and shows no affection. He would just hide her away in his estate with no life at all, but threatens to take her away from Samantha if she brings scandal or things he considers not of a pious, conservative, life. Nothing Samantha can do will ever be good enough for him, he is only impressed by titles and old money and can’t even smile at his own granddaughter and only feels shame. The one thing he truly hates is highlanders especially those rambunctious scandalous MacKendricks!
Now Braden Kendrick who was first introduced as a child in The Highlander Who Protected me, Royal’s book as even then he dreamed of becoming a physician. Well Braden who is the calmest Kendrick besides his younger brother the musical prodigy Kade who had been deathly sick as a child .
Her latest rescue is Dr. Braden Kendrick being cornered a wife beater who wants to kill him for advising the ruffian’s wife to divorce her husband. So she quickly threatens the ruffians with a couple shots, of course the cowards took off. Now Braeden is dying to know who his female rescuer is and soon realizes after se..meeting Samantha’s sister in law Felicity. As Samantha is good friends with Braden good friend and fellow Doctor John Bathmord and his wife Bathsheba and now realizes he knows sign language and could understand he and Donny’s speech on the night she saved him. Now her fellow friend and Dr John Blackmore and His wife Bathsheba which didn’t take long for Braden to realize her deceased husband needed financial help and meeting Felicity he realizes she it was Samantha and Donny who saved his life, Noe Samantha’s husband has been gone for neatly tow years but can’t move on with her life until she finds her husbands killers and now these missing orphans. Samantha agrees to meet with Braden and they are both instantly attracted to each other. Yet Braden also suffered a big loss in his past too, so he has not been involved with ever since. Now when she does accepts Braden’s help when Donny I hurt and can’t travel the dangerous streets . Except het grandfather in law thinks she is having an affair with one of those awaful Kendrick highlanders. A clan he detests and thretens to take Felicity away and as her legal guardian there is nothing she can do, yet Braden thinks of one option but will Samantha accept. Read and find out in another fabulous Kendrick story.
Again Vanessa Kelly pen another phenomenal tale that has a mystery,suspense as the holidays approach plus a historical love adventure too. This is a sweet clean historical romance too which I really loved too. The plotting of this book was absolutely extraordinarily and definitely swept this reader away. I am really looking forward to Cade’s book as I love that he has groupies already. Of course Angus the Kendrick grandfather is always hilarious like a big teddy bear in his unorganized faded kilt who loves babies and young children. A book I highly recommend.
Clan Kendrick by Vanessa Kelly
Book One:The Highlander Who Protected Me
Book Two:The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
Book Three: The Highlander’s English Bride
Book Four:The Highlander’s Irish Bride
Book Five: The Highlander’s Holiday Wife
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Kelly/...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile...
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-h...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
February 4, 2023
4 1/2*STARS*
Samantha Penwith saves Dr. Braden Kendrick's life one night in Old Towne. Later when he discovers the lady's identity, he becomes embroiled in finding answers to her husband's murder and the disappearance of children from her charity, the Penwith Philanthropic Foundation. Soon the Kendrick family is involved, a force to be reckoned with. More digging into the Foundation, reveals someone is skimming money. It's a dangerous game to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, Samantha and Braden help each other to let go of the past to find a life together. An interesting and amusing family are the Kendricks. A compassionate and kind man is the doctor.
Kissing only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Samantha Penwith saves Dr. Braden Kendrick's life one night in Old Towne. Later when he discovers the lady's identity, he becomes embroiled in finding answers to her husband's murder and the disappearance of children from her charity, the Penwith Philanthropic Foundation. Soon the Kendrick family is involved, a force to be reckoned with. More digging into the Foundation, reveals someone is skimming money. It's a dangerous game to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, Samantha and Braden help each other to let go of the past to find a life together. An interesting and amusing family are the Kendricks. A compassionate and kind man is the doctor.
Kissing only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 27, 2022
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.
June 14, 2022
I received an ARC from Netgalley of "The Highlander's Holiday Wife", written by the fantastic Vanessa Kelly. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Vanessa Kelly never fails to amaze me with her stories. Each Kendrick siblings story is unique yet shows how absolutely wonderful the Kendrick clan's love for each other is where each member of the family is bold, strong and independent yet knows they can depend and trust all members of the family to stand united.
Braden Kendrick is a doctor who sometimes travels in the seedier parts of town to help his patients. Samantha Penwith is a widow, trying to locate some of her orphanage's missing children as well as the people behind her husband's murder in thise same seedier areas. This is a scrumptious love story with a slow building romance between two people who have loved and lost, and are now afraid to repeat their heart breaking. There's more than just the romantic aspect, there is also suspense and mystery that is wonderfully incorporated into the storyline. A 6 out of 5 stars!
Braden Kendrick is a doctor who sometimes travels in the seedier parts of town to help his patients. Samantha Penwith is a widow, trying to locate some of her orphanage's missing children as well as the people behind her husband's murder in thise same seedier areas. This is a scrumptious love story with a slow building romance between two people who have loved and lost, and are now afraid to repeat their heart breaking. There's more than just the romantic aspect, there is also suspense and mystery that is wonderfully incorporated into the storyline. A 6 out of 5 stars!
August 10, 2022
Well, you certainly can't say that the Kendrick Clan is boring in any way! lol I really get a kick out of the grandfather, what a hoot he is. Once one becomes a part of the family and there's trouble, you can rest assured that the Kendrick family will be there to help in any way they can. Samantha finds this out when she becomes involved with Braden, the doctor in the family.
Samantha is a widow and is on a quest to find out who murdered her husband, as well as trying to find the orphans who are disappearing.. When she and her bodyguard save Braden's life one night, he in turn makes it his duty to find out what she's up to. Amidst all the danger, a second chance at love presents itself but a true leap of faith will be needed!!
Well written, a sweet romance that is fairly clean and plenty of mystery and action that will keep you on your toes!
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Samantha is a widow and is on a quest to find out who murdered her husband, as well as trying to find the orphans who are disappearing.. When she and her bodyguard save Braden's life one night, he in turn makes it his duty to find out what she's up to. Amidst all the danger, a second chance at love presents itself but a true leap of faith will be needed!!
Well written, a sweet romance that is fairly clean and plenty of mystery and action that will keep you on your toes!
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 18, 2022
This was kind of an odd one. On one hand, it contains everything we've come to expect from the Clan Kendrick series: Brawny, loyal brothers; feisty heroines; interfering family; adventures in "the stews;" Grandpa Angus acting daffy; and a heaping helping of anachronism. (Christmas trees were not a thing in England OR Scotland in 1817. They just weren't. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.) On the other hand, unlike previous installments, all the Hot Stuff happens behind closed doors. It's unusually chaste, in other words, so if it's sizzle you're looking for, well, there are several other books in this series...Also, I sussed the bad guy out approximately 30 seconds after first seeing him, and it shouldn't be that easy.
One thing I did appreciate was the fact that Braden and Samantha truly loved their previous significant others, who were genuinely good people. So often in these things, the first spouse/partner was abusive/ineffectual/couldn't or wouldn't Get It On/were otherwise not an appropriate partner for the hero/heroine. Not here. This is truly a sweet second chance romance between a couple of people who have been kicked around by fate; I'm bumping it up a star for that reason. Happy Christmas to all.
One thing I did appreciate was the fact that Braden and Samantha truly loved their previous significant others, who were genuinely good people. So often in these things, the first spouse/partner was abusive/ineffectual/couldn't or wouldn't Get It On/were otherwise not an appropriate partner for the hero/heroine. Not here. This is truly a sweet second chance romance between a couple of people who have been kicked around by fate; I'm bumping it up a star for that reason. Happy Christmas to all.
July 29, 2022
Loved it!! I had no doubts about this one!!! Vanessa never fails to entertain!! Never!! I have loved this whole series and I'm looking forward to reading more about the Clan Kendrick, especially Kade's tale. Thank you so much NetGalley for the chance to review this wonderful book and thank you so much Vanessa Kelly for another entertaining time with the Clan Kendrick!! I highly recommend this one and the whole series!!
December 26, 2025
Just wanted some cute Hallmark-level cheesy holiday romance, instead got everything but the kitchen the sink written so poorly that it became the main source of entertainment.
August 25, 2022
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.
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.
October 20, 2022
I loved this book. The fifth book in the Clan Kendrick series features Braden, the "boring" Kendrick. From the time he was a child, Braden was focused on his goal of becoming a doctor, motivated by a desire to help his younger brother. Though Ryan was healthy by the time Braden reached his goal, Braden had found his calling. Unlike his rambunctious brothers, he had always been a quiet, serious man but has been even more so recently. He devotes long hours to his work with the poor in Edinburgh, where we find him as the book opens.
Braden has never had a problem with his safety wandering the streets of Edinburgh's slums late at night until now. Unfortunately, two armed thugs seemed determined to end his "interference," and it seemed likely they would succeed. Luckily he's rescued by a pair of avenging angels - one massive, and one small, quick, and - female? He is thankful, intrigued, and determined to discover who she is.
Lady Samantha Penwith is a widow on a mission. Two years ago, her husband was murdered, and no one could be bothered to investigate. With her faithful servant by her side, she prowls Edinburgh slums, looking for the truth. She's recently added another quest - children are disappearing from the orphanage/school her husband founded. The last thing she needs is a nosy doctor poking around.
Braden and Samantha are brought together by a mutual friend, Dr. John Blackmore. John suspects Samantha's mission and worries about her safety. He is also a member of the board of the Penwith Foundation and is one of the few members backing her plans for the Foundation. John believes Braden will be an additional voice for good on the board, and the scenes involving his attempts to convince Braden are pretty amusing. Meanwhile, Samantha wants nothing to do with Braden, afraid he will figure out she is his rescuer. In fact, it takes little time for Braden to do so.
Braden and Samantha are determined, independent, and intelligent. He quickly realizes that nothing will stop Samantha from her mission. Instead of trying to stop her, he listens to her concerns, suspicions, and ideas and then offers to help her. He is also the voice of reason that balances her impulsiveness. There is a fair amount of push-and-pull between them as they delve deeper into their searches.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Both have the pain of love lost in their pasts and a reluctance to risk their hearts again. However, neither can deny the attraction that grows between them. Braden is the first to realize the truth of his feelings for Samantha but is sensitive enough to give her the space and time she needs to adjust to their growing relationship. Samantha's instinctive trust in Braden goes a long way toward opening her heart to him.
Samantha has another problem in her life. Her husband's grandfather is a controlling old man who has never approved of Samantha. She and her husband cared for his deaf younger sister, Felicity, while Lord Beath would instead have confined the girl to his estate. With Roger's death, Lord Beath constantly threatens to take Felicity away from Samantha if she does anything to bring scandal to the family name. I heartily disliked his attitude towards and about Felicity, especially when he appeared and started making threats again. It didn't help that he despises the Kendrick family. I loved seeing the family rally in Samantha's support and laughed out loud as they spiked the man's guns by using their more significant connections.
Lord Beath gets his licks in, though, when he stumbles on Samantha and Braden sharing a passionate kiss. Braden had already suggested one surefire way to keep Felicity with Samantha - marry him. Lord Beath's appearance expedited the necessity. I loved watching Braden and Samantha settle into married life. By this time, Braden is head-over-heels in love with Samantha, exercising great patience and restraint while he waits for her to love him back. When that point is reached, though their intimacy is closed door, there is no doubt about their feelings.
The mystery of the murder and the missing children is never far from Braden and Samantha's minds. I enjoyed following their progress as they chipped away at the puzzle. When a question about the Foundation's finances raises a red flag, Braden and Samantha recruit his brother Logan to help. The pieces come together quickly, revealing a more elaborate scheme than previously suspected. The intensity ramped up when Felicity was taken, and I was on the edge of my seat as I watched Braden, Samantha, and the Kendricks work together to bring her home. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved that Samantha was in the thick of it. The epilogue was great and an excellent conclusion for the book.
You can't have a Clan Kendrick book without involving other family members. In this case, it is mostly Logan and Donella, as Braden lives in their house. I loved the interactions between Braden and Logan. It was fun to see Logan attempt to get Braden to add a little balance to his life, and Braden agreed with Logan and then did as he wished. There is no doubt of their love and respect, but each has the Kendrick stubbornness. I loved Logan's thirteen-year-old son, who can talk rings around his father and is well on the way to being as intelligent as his uncle Braden. Life at the Kendrick home becomes even more chaotic when their boisterous and mischievous grandfather shows up. Angus is always good for a laugh over his self-delusions and antics; this was no exception. There is also no doubt about his love and loyalty for his family, even as he creates chaos around them. The youngest Kendrick, Kade, has a prominent role in this book, and I can't wait for his story.
Braden has never had a problem with his safety wandering the streets of Edinburgh's slums late at night until now. Unfortunately, two armed thugs seemed determined to end his "interference," and it seemed likely they would succeed. Luckily he's rescued by a pair of avenging angels - one massive, and one small, quick, and - female? He is thankful, intrigued, and determined to discover who she is.
Lady Samantha Penwith is a widow on a mission. Two years ago, her husband was murdered, and no one could be bothered to investigate. With her faithful servant by her side, she prowls Edinburgh slums, looking for the truth. She's recently added another quest - children are disappearing from the orphanage/school her husband founded. The last thing she needs is a nosy doctor poking around.
Braden and Samantha are brought together by a mutual friend, Dr. John Blackmore. John suspects Samantha's mission and worries about her safety. He is also a member of the board of the Penwith Foundation and is one of the few members backing her plans for the Foundation. John believes Braden will be an additional voice for good on the board, and the scenes involving his attempts to convince Braden are pretty amusing. Meanwhile, Samantha wants nothing to do with Braden, afraid he will figure out she is his rescuer. In fact, it takes little time for Braden to do so.
Braden and Samantha are determined, independent, and intelligent. He quickly realizes that nothing will stop Samantha from her mission. Instead of trying to stop her, he listens to her concerns, suspicions, and ideas and then offers to help her. He is also the voice of reason that balances her impulsiveness. There is a fair amount of push-and-pull between them as they delve deeper into their searches.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Both have the pain of love lost in their pasts and a reluctance to risk their hearts again. However, neither can deny the attraction that grows between them. Braden is the first to realize the truth of his feelings for Samantha but is sensitive enough to give her the space and time she needs to adjust to their growing relationship. Samantha's instinctive trust in Braden goes a long way toward opening her heart to him.
Samantha has another problem in her life. Her husband's grandfather is a controlling old man who has never approved of Samantha. She and her husband cared for his deaf younger sister, Felicity, while Lord Beath would instead have confined the girl to his estate. With Roger's death, Lord Beath constantly threatens to take Felicity away from Samantha if she does anything to bring scandal to the family name. I heartily disliked his attitude towards and about Felicity, especially when he appeared and started making threats again. It didn't help that he despises the Kendrick family. I loved seeing the family rally in Samantha's support and laughed out loud as they spiked the man's guns by using their more significant connections.
Lord Beath gets his licks in, though, when he stumbles on Samantha and Braden sharing a passionate kiss. Braden had already suggested one surefire way to keep Felicity with Samantha - marry him. Lord Beath's appearance expedited the necessity. I loved watching Braden and Samantha settle into married life. By this time, Braden is head-over-heels in love with Samantha, exercising great patience and restraint while he waits for her to love him back. When that point is reached, though their intimacy is closed door, there is no doubt about their feelings.
The mystery of the murder and the missing children is never far from Braden and Samantha's minds. I enjoyed following their progress as they chipped away at the puzzle. When a question about the Foundation's finances raises a red flag, Braden and Samantha recruit his brother Logan to help. The pieces come together quickly, revealing a more elaborate scheme than previously suspected. The intensity ramped up when Felicity was taken, and I was on the edge of my seat as I watched Braden, Samantha, and the Kendricks work together to bring her home. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved that Samantha was in the thick of it. The epilogue was great and an excellent conclusion for the book.
You can't have a Clan Kendrick book without involving other family members. In this case, it is mostly Logan and Donella, as Braden lives in their house. I loved the interactions between Braden and Logan. It was fun to see Logan attempt to get Braden to add a little balance to his life, and Braden agreed with Logan and then did as he wished. There is no doubt of their love and respect, but each has the Kendrick stubbornness. I loved Logan's thirteen-year-old son, who can talk rings around his father and is well on the way to being as intelligent as his uncle Braden. Life at the Kendrick home becomes even more chaotic when their boisterous and mischievous grandfather shows up. Angus is always good for a laugh over his self-delusions and antics; this was no exception. There is also no doubt about his love and loyalty for his family, even as he creates chaos around them. The youngest Kendrick, Kade, has a prominent role in this book, and I can't wait for his story.
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