August 26, 2019
Kelly’s second Clan Kendrick Regency (after The Highlander Who Protected Me) lacks appeal. Widower Logan Kendrick is on the point of concluding a business deal with the Earl of Riddick when he agrees to escort Riddick’s grandniece, Donella Haddon, to her family home, where she’ll be helping to prepare Christmas and Hogmanay festivities (the only hint of holiday spirit in the story). He expects a quiet ride with the young woman, but is instead attacked by would-be kidnappers. Donella refuses to explain why someone would want to abduct her, only saying that her family will take care of the matter as soon as they reach her home. Though she’s known to have broken the rules of society a time or two, she hypocritically scolds Logan for what she considers improper behavior. However, the brawny Highlander finds her more intriguing than infuriating. There’s not much chemistry between the two, but Donella builds a loving relationship with Logan’s son, Joseph, which enforces proximity with Logan that passes for romantic development. The lack of flirtation makes this more of a familial drama, and romance fans are unlikely to find it to their tastes. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency.
September 15, 2019
A young woman ill-suited for life as a nun is sent home from her convent with only a handsome Highlander as escort. Donella Haddon is known throughout Scotland as "The Flower of Clan Graham" for her beauty and charm. Logan Kendrick has recently returned to Scotland from Canada, hoping to expand the market for his trapping and logging business. He is deputized by Donella's uncle to escort her home, but the short trip turns into a journey after someone attacks their carriage and tries to kidnap her. Donella's return to society forces her to face the humiliations that sent her fleeing to the Carmelites in the first place: being jilted by her fiance and lingering bad blood over a past incident involving Clan Murray. Logan and Donella become friends and learn to trust each other, but their unchaperoned nights together move them down a path to marriage neither one is ready for. Kelly (The Highlander Who Protected Me, 2018, etc.) constructs the entire plot around secrets and hidden information--not only do Logan and Donella keep secrets from each other, but major plot developments are also kept hidden from the reader. This gives the entire book an aimless, drifting feeling: Something is motivating characters, but it isn't worth telling readers about. A subplot about Logan's son's heritage as part of the Mi'kmaq tribe feels shoehorned in to win diversity points rather than being an organic part of the story. Convoluted and slow-moving plot with uneven characterization and pacing.
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October 25, 2019
After a troubled youth and being expelled from the religious order that she was convinced would set her on the right path, Donella Haddon has little choice but to return to her family's home in the highlands. Her great-uncle, the Earl of Riddick, sends Logan Kendrick to escort her to the estate in time for Hogmanay celebrations. Logan, hoping to continue his successful business partnership with the earl, sees the opportunity to curry favor. But when their carriage is attacked on the road, Logan realizes there's something this "Flower of the Graham clan" isn't telling him about her past, managing to sneak her away from the incident but risking her already fragile reputation. Safely home, Logan thoughts are transfixed by the former nun, yet he knows looking out for the best interest of his son, Joseph, should be his first priority. Behind the scenes, the Kendricks and Grahams prepare for the holiday and start scheming to get the two back together. VERDICT An abundance of adventure and an unusual premise quickly draw readers in to this Scotland-set Regency, making Kelly's latest "Clan Kendrick" novel (The Highlander Who Protected Me) a perfect Christmas read, complete with family drama that could stand as a story all its own.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from September 15, 2019
Highlanders, Clans, and secrets, oh my! After failing to follow through on becoming a nun, Donella Haddon decides to return home and find a new path. As a favor to Donella's family, Logan Kendrick agrees to retrieve her from the convent. He's amazed by this fierce, outspoken, and bonny lass so completely unlike the young woman he expected to meet, while she finds him mostly irritating, yet also a bit irresistible. Together, they survive an attempted kidnapping, deal with rumors and Clan disputes, and plan a Christmas party. As time passes, Donella grows closer not just to Logan, but to his whole family, including his young son. But when past secrets resurface, their connection is tested. Kelly's delightful, trope-filled romp summons up many emotions. It's exciting, funny, smart, a little heartbreaking, and completely charming. Donella and Logan's large, lovable, and sometimes exasperating families include familiar faces for fans of Kelly's previous novels, including The Highlander Who Protected Me (2018), while newcomers won't mind playing a little who's-who catch-up. A wonderful Christmas romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)