This book has the new novella 'A Mackenzie Yuletide' and an old novella from 2015 'A Mackenzie Clan Gathering.' Both are enjoyable light reads full of family and love with a little bit of mystery and humor.

A Mackenzie Yuletide - Story 4/5 stars, Heat 2/5 stars
A Christmas story with all of the Mackenzie's and their children. While Ian is trying to acquire roman necklace for Beth for Hogmany, it has disappeared and he is determined to discover it's whereabouts. Ian's son is equally determined to acquire to give as a gift to both his parents and enlists his cousins for help. In the meantime Mac discovers what seems to be a ghost at Kilmorgan and the other half of the family works to uncover the truth of the matter.

This is nice light hearted read, revisiting the Mackenzies and getting to know their children as the solve the two mysteries.

The MacKenzie Clan Gathering - Story 4/5 stars, Heat 4/5 stars
While Ian and Beth were staying at Kilmorgan Castle, Ian stumbles upon robbers. After the theft Ian discovers several casks of whiskey ruined, and nasty rumor's against the Mackenzies, leading Ian and family down the path to solve the mystery. We also get to meet Beth's brother-in-law a retired missionary, who hopes to cure Ian of his 'madness.'

This is a short, little mystery, solved of course by Ian, sprinkled with all the Mackenzies as they gather for Hart's birthday. I enjoy this series and would call it a 'Highland Pleasure' lite read. It was sad to see Ian doubt himself at John Ackerley offer's to 'cure' him and he makes the attempt. While everything ends happily it seemed a bit off that Ian would doubt himself like that.

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A story about any of the Mackenzie clan members is always worth reading but in this case, we get 2 stories about my favorite Mackenzie character - Ian Mackenzie. because of his quirks (aka his madness) he always makes things intersting. The first story is a Christmas story and Ian is set on finding an antique necklace for his wife.
In the second story (which takes place before the first) the Mackenzie home is broken into and important artwork is stolen and expensive whiskey is destroyed. Ian works to uncover the culprit who is trying to destroy the family.
Both stories just make you want to read more about Ian and the whole family. ( )

Seasonal Mackenzies! Joy!

Two Christmas season stories with my favorite MacKenzie man taking a lead role, Ian with his wife Beth and their three children.

A Mackenzie Yuletide
At two in the morning Mac is painting in his room at the top of Kilmorgan Castle when he's disturbed by what appears to be the ghost of a woman. He pursues the trailing apparition without success. Later, the younger Mackenzies decide to help, after a humorous start.
Ian wants to purchase a special present for his Beth for Hogmanay. A heavy gold "antique necklace with intricately worked loops of gold and hung with emeralds and lapis lazuli." Unfortunately its disappeared. Ian brings his unwavering focus to bear on solving the problem, not realizing that his son Jamie is going toe to toe with him trying to find the piece.

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering
I had read this previously and a second reading in no way diminished my enjoyment. Thieves break into Kilmorgan Castle and steal Hart's art collection. Ian wakes sensing something amiss. His first thoughts are for Beth and his children. The artworks are discovered abandoned. This is only the first attack. It will be Ian who finally works out the mystery. Only after plenty of happenings though. The turning up of Beth's first husband's brother, John Ackerley adds another dimension.

All the family make appearances, after all they are gathering at Kilmorgan Castle for the season.
The redeemed illegitimate half brother to the Mackenzies, Lloyd Fellows, now a chief superintendent at Scotland Yard, is involved in both stories. Wouldn't have it any other way!

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley ( )