berls's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed seeing everyone and loved that the book was from so many favorite characters' point of view. The deal over the bowl felt a bit over done, but overall enjoyable. Definitely setting up for future books.
witandsin's review against another edition
5.0
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-mackenzie-family-christmas.html
Take a heartwarming journey to the Highlands this holiday season with Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift. Author Jennifer Ashley has truly outdone herself with this festive, fun, emotional Mackenzie family story.
It takes a deft hand to write a story teeming with characters, all of whom have their own backstories. Many authors would easily fall into the trap of overwhelming readers with information or slowing the pace of the book. It’s a good thing Ms. Ashley is a master at her craft because she takes the multitude of Mackenzies (along with wives, in-laws, friends, and servants) and delivers a smooth, fast-paced story where all the characters are original and fleshed out and their interwoven storylines flow like a dream. I felt like I was at Kilmorgan Castle with the Mackenzies and their extended family.
It’s impossible to detail all that goes on in The Perfect Gift without writing a review that’s almost as long as the book itself. Suffice it to say that every single character and plot thread in The Perfect Gift drew me in. I could not put the book down until I had finished. That being said, I have to highlight one particular storyline that touched my heart. Ian and Beth — whose gorgeously penned romance began the Highland Pleasure series and started my love affair with Ms. Ashley’s writing — face what might be their first significant misunderstanding since The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. When Beth accidentally breaks a unique Ming bowl Ian had wanted, she fears Ian will give into the darkness or despair that had once frequently plagued him. She desperately wants to replace the bowl, but Ian has no interest in similar antiques, nor does he claim to be upset over a loss that only a few years before would have sent him into uncontrollable fits of despair. Misunderstandings in romances often come off as an overused trope, but not in The Perfect Gift. Because Ian has Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of high-functioning autism) in a time long before anyone knows what Asperger’s is, in this situation it’s difficult for Beth or Ian’s brothers to effectively communicate with Ian and vice versa. I won’t spoil the reason Ian wanted that particular bowl or the resolution to the misunderstanding, but I will say that Ms. Ashley managed to bring tears to my eyes more than once. In Ms. Ashley’s books the simplest of actions and a few well-spoken words can bring forth a wealth of emotion.
The Perfect Gift takes place between the last chapter and the epilogue of the fourth Highland Pleasures book, The Duke’s Perfect Wife. While you don’t have to have read the first four Highland Pleasure books (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, and The Duke’s Perfect Wife) in order to follow along, I highly recommend doing so, for part of the enjoyment of The Perfect Gift stems from having a prior attachment to almost all the characters. Even though I focused on Beth and Ian earlier, rest assured that Hart, Eleanor, Cam, Ainsley, Mac, and Isabella get equal page time. Ms. Ashley also whets the appetite for future Highland Pleasure books. I don’t know which Mackenzie or McBride I’m most eager to read about next!
The Perfect Gift is an amazing story that touches the heart. Ms. Ashley made me feel like I was part of the Mackenzie family in The Perfect Gift. I felt all the characters’ joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes as if they were my own. I loved Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift and I cannot wait for the next Highland Pleasures novel!
Take a heartwarming journey to the Highlands this holiday season with Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift. Author Jennifer Ashley has truly outdone herself with this festive, fun, emotional Mackenzie family story.
It takes a deft hand to write a story teeming with characters, all of whom have their own backstories. Many authors would easily fall into the trap of overwhelming readers with information or slowing the pace of the book. It’s a good thing Ms. Ashley is a master at her craft because she takes the multitude of Mackenzies (along with wives, in-laws, friends, and servants) and delivers a smooth, fast-paced story where all the characters are original and fleshed out and their interwoven storylines flow like a dream. I felt like I was at Kilmorgan Castle with the Mackenzies and their extended family.
It’s impossible to detail all that goes on in The Perfect Gift without writing a review that’s almost as long as the book itself. Suffice it to say that every single character and plot thread in The Perfect Gift drew me in. I could not put the book down until I had finished. That being said, I have to highlight one particular storyline that touched my heart. Ian and Beth — whose gorgeously penned romance began the Highland Pleasure series and started my love affair with Ms. Ashley’s writing — face what might be their first significant misunderstanding since The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. When Beth accidentally breaks a unique Ming bowl Ian had wanted, she fears Ian will give into the darkness or despair that had once frequently plagued him. She desperately wants to replace the bowl, but Ian has no interest in similar antiques, nor does he claim to be upset over a loss that only a few years before would have sent him into uncontrollable fits of despair. Misunderstandings in romances often come off as an overused trope, but not in The Perfect Gift. Because Ian has Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of high-functioning autism) in a time long before anyone knows what Asperger’s is, in this situation it’s difficult for Beth or Ian’s brothers to effectively communicate with Ian and vice versa. I won’t spoil the reason Ian wanted that particular bowl or the resolution to the misunderstanding, but I will say that Ms. Ashley managed to bring tears to my eyes more than once. In Ms. Ashley’s books the simplest of actions and a few well-spoken words can bring forth a wealth of emotion.
The Perfect Gift takes place between the last chapter and the epilogue of the fourth Highland Pleasures book, The Duke’s Perfect Wife. While you don’t have to have read the first four Highland Pleasure books (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, and The Duke’s Perfect Wife) in order to follow along, I highly recommend doing so, for part of the enjoyment of The Perfect Gift stems from having a prior attachment to almost all the characters. Even though I focused on Beth and Ian earlier, rest assured that Hart, Eleanor, Cam, Ainsley, Mac, and Isabella get equal page time. Ms. Ashley also whets the appetite for future Highland Pleasure books. I don’t know which Mackenzie or McBride I’m most eager to read about next!
The Perfect Gift is an amazing story that touches the heart. Ms. Ashley made me feel like I was part of the Mackenzie family in The Perfect Gift. I felt all the characters’ joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes as if they were my own. I loved Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift and I cannot wait for the next Highland Pleasures novel!
erinreve's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 Stars. A cute novella, I love these books a ton, but not a lot happened, plot-wise, in this book. Cute Christmas vibes, I definitely enjoyed it, but not mind blowing. Definitely read if you love the series.
ezichinny's review against another edition
4.0
A Holiday gathering for the Mackenzie clan.
Ian & family, Mac & family, Cameron & Family all join Hart & a pregnant Eleanor for Christmas at Kilmorgan Castle. A few add-ons are present, such as the McBrides, Mr. Fellows, Hart's friend David, Mr. Ramsay (Eleanor's Dad) and Louisa (Isabella's sister).
A lot is going on because it wouldn't be a Mackenzie gathering without some sort of chaos. First Cameron's daughter Gavina goes missing. Then Beth breaks a precious Ming Bowl that Ian had been trying to acquire for a really long time. Then Daniel gets beat up over a barmaid and Eleanor goes into labor, frightening Hart who lost his first wife and son during child birth.
All in all, the Mackenzies do what they do best, have fun and band together to support each other through whatever crisis that threatens them. In the midst of all the pandemonium, is always Ian, that centerpiece, which all the Mackenzie men circle around.
It was a good read, not so much a Christmas book in my opinion, but a Christmas time update as to what is going on with the Mackenzies. I was happy for Hart, Cameron, Mac and Ian as they both made realizations about fatherhood. I was happy that their women all found happiness with their respective mates. I don't know much about Elliott McBride (there was a small preview of his book at the back, which I didn't read) and I would have rather had more attention on Lloyd Fellows and Louisa. But I am glad that the author let us know that she didn't forget what she started in Hart's book with those two. I am looking forward to David, Daniel & Lloyd finding their own loves in the near future.
I love how the author keeps family and love and loyalty at the center of everything Mackenzie. What a great series!
Ian & family, Mac & family, Cameron & Family all join Hart & a pregnant Eleanor for Christmas at Kilmorgan Castle. A few add-ons are present, such as the McBrides, Mr. Fellows, Hart's friend David, Mr. Ramsay (Eleanor's Dad) and Louisa (Isabella's sister).
A lot is going on because it wouldn't be a Mackenzie gathering without some sort of chaos. First Cameron's daughter Gavina goes missing. Then Beth breaks a precious Ming Bowl that Ian had been trying to acquire for a really long time. Then Daniel gets beat up over a barmaid and Eleanor goes into labor, frightening Hart who lost his first wife and son during child birth.
All in all, the Mackenzies do what they do best, have fun and band together to support each other through whatever crisis that threatens them. In the midst of all the pandemonium, is always Ian, that centerpiece, which all the Mackenzie men circle around.
It was a good read, not so much a Christmas book in my opinion, but a Christmas time update as to what is going on with the Mackenzies. I was happy for Hart, Cameron, Mac and Ian as they both made realizations about fatherhood. I was happy that their women all found happiness with their respective mates. I don't know much about Elliott McBride (there was a small preview of his book at the back, which I didn't read) and I would have rather had more attention on Lloyd Fellows and Louisa. But I am glad that the author let us know that she didn't forget what she started in Hart's book with those two. I am looking forward to David, Daniel & Lloyd finding their own loves in the near future.
I love how the author keeps family and love and loyalty at the center of everything Mackenzie. What a great series!
kgroberts13's review against another edition
3.0
A satisfying novella in the Highland Pleasures series, revisiting all of the MacKenzie brothers and their families. Do not read unless you've covered all the books up to this edition as there are multiple spoilers.
loverofromance's review against another edition
5.0
I can hardly believe it took me so long to read this novella, especially with the whole Mackenzie clan involved here. I should be banging my head against the wall right? Well I have finally repented of this transgression LOL. Last night I bought this for my Nook, and I read it in little time. Jennifer Ashley has always been a weakness of mine, whether its a historical or paranormal, I am always hooked and I know it will be good (it really doesn't matter what its about, I just know it will be a exciting ride) Well I loved this one so much, its definitely in the 5 STARS range. It starts out with the whole Mackenzie clan joining together for Christmas and New Years. We begin with the beginning preparations of the holiday and the whole family joining together. We see plenty of Ian and Beth and Ian's fascination with Ming bowls and when it accidently gets broken, Beth and the rest of the family gang up together to find a way to repair things for Ian. Meanwhile Daniel is getting into his own kind of mischief (of course right? he is a Mackenzie after all). Then we see Hart and Eleanor getting ready for the new birth, which is more trying than blissful for Hart. Plenty of drama to go around the family. Now being a novella, (I usually have issues, considering they are never long enough for me) but I think Ashley did a great job of wrapping things up in the end, and it ended up being one of my favorites. I have just a weakness for Ian and Hart (they are my favorites of all the Mackenzie men) and there is so much involvement with the whole family, and I just enjoyed seeing my favorites coming together. A Perfect read for any time of the year (not just Christmas time--since I read this in MAY), and a wonderful mix of romance and laughter, and a MUST READ!!!
amyiw's review against another edition
5.0
4 1/2
My only nit pick here was the "history" of the MacKenzies for the set up for the older generation's book. I wish I had read it before "The Stolen MacKenzie Bride" as it deals with those people read about and maybe I would've had more connection but then again, maybe not.
Ian struggles with whether or not to "treat" his madness again which kind of makes him go off, while he is investigating who is trying to set up and/or steal the Duke's paintings. Beth's ex-brother-in-law comes and you are kept wondering about him until the end. A quick satisfying read about the MacKenzie clan that mainly deals with Ian but also has all the clan
My only nit pick here was the "history" of the MacKenzies for the set up for the older generation's book. I wish I had read it before "The Stolen MacKenzie Bride" as it deals with those people read about and maybe I would've had more connection but then again, maybe not.
Ian struggles with whether or not to "treat" his madness again which kind of makes him go off, while he is investigating who is trying to set up and/or steal the Duke's paintings. Beth's ex-brother-in-law comes and you are kept wondering about him until the end. A quick satisfying read about the MacKenzie clan that mainly deals with Ian but also has all the clan
stefi_books's review against another edition
5.0
A very warm story full of love, joy and holiday spirit. I loved revisiting all my favorite Mackenzie couples and seeing all the extended family come together for Christmas and New Year's Eve. I especially relished the chance to look into Ian's mind again, he's definitely one of my favorite characters of the series. The story with the Ming bowl was really funny and his love with Beth is sooo romantic. I enjoyed immensely the rest of the events and people, too. It was a great book, everything I want from a romantic novella.
b0okcupidity's review against another edition
2.0
I must be dead inside.
I was bored most of the time.
I would have liked a more focused story - Esme & Bellamy, perhaps? For my money, I want something fresh. Although all the characters made an appearance and it did take skill to make a cohesive story, each singular character was very flat. Ainsley, for example, seemed very deflated to me, though she is a dynamic and brave character in her book. In fact, all the woman in this installment were weak. They all had their crying-woe-is-me scenes and didn't contribute a whole lot. Disappointing since Jennifer Ashley does such a great job writing both her H and hr w/ equal awesomeness.
I was bored most of the time.
I would have liked a more focused story - Esme & Bellamy, perhaps? For my money, I want something fresh. Although all the characters made an appearance and it did take skill to make a cohesive story, each singular character was very flat. Ainsley, for example, seemed very deflated to me, though she is a dynamic and brave character in her book. In fact, all the woman in this installment were weak. They all had their crying-woe-is-me scenes and didn't contribute a whole lot. Disappointing since Jennifer Ashley does such a great job writing both her H and hr w/ equal awesomeness.