Highlander for the Holidays (Highlander, #8)

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Highlander for the Holidays (Pine Creek Highlanders #8)

4.2 of 5 stars 4.20 · rating details · 647 ratings · 91 reviews

After a brutal attack, Jessie Pringle moved to the small mountain town of Pine Creek, Maine, to start over. But she never expected to meet Ian MacKeage, who had seemingly stepped right out of the Scottish Highlands. As drawn to Ian as he is to her, Jessie finds it more and more difficult to deny her own desires...

Then, on one of her long walks through the wilderness, she m...more

Mass Market Paperback, 325 pages

Published October 25th 2011 by Jove

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Contemporary Christmas/Winter Romance

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Nov 21, 2011 Christine Morehouse rated it 4 of 5 stars

One word describes New York Times bestselling Author Janet Chapman’s eighth installment in her highlander series latest release, HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS...Phenomenal! Released by Pocket Star Books this past October fans have been in desperation for that hottie highlander Ian McKeage and he is now here spreading a magical cherry this holiday season.

Jessie Pringle has headed north to the quaint country town of Pine Creek, Maine after seeing the resort brochure. After a severe attack has left h...more One word describes New York Times bestselling Author Janet Chapman’s eighth installment in her highlander series latest release, HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS...Phenomenal! Released by Pocket Star Books this past October fans have been in desperation for that hottie highlander Ian McKeage and he is now here spreading a magical cherry this holiday season.

Jessie Pringle has headed north to the quaint country town of Pine Creek, Maine after seeing the resort brochure. After a severe attack has left her scared emotionally and physically Jesse decides she needs a fresh start and away from the coddling her family and friends keep heaping on her. It is time to get back to living no matter how painful or scary it might be. What she never expected to find was a true-blue highlander who seems to have stepped right out from the Scottish highland mist. Inexplicably drawn to Ian Jesse is not sure what to make of him and his seemingly calm and gentle understanding. For one thing this hottie highlander has won over her service dog, Toby, which is highly unusual. If that was not enough to make a young girl shake her head and wonder she meets and old hermit one day out walking Toby and he gives her a walking stick, but this is not any ordinary walking stick. soon Jessie discovers that maybe there is more than meets the eyes in the beautiful country side of Maine. It is the season of magic and anything could happen.

Do you believe in Magic? I certainly do. HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a fantastically bewitching installment in Chapman’s charming Highlanders series. Chapman is an extraordinary story teller with her magnetic imagery wrapped around perfect wording that engages her readers from the get go. I was drawn to the aspect of the service dog, Toby, a broad chest barrel of a Rottweiler that would make angels fear to tread with just one snarl. In Chapman’s genuine of setting the tone early we learn that Toby is ferocious in his guard for Jesse with a heart of a warrior that deeply adores its owner. Yes, the dog captured this readers heart but Jesse Pringle is such a strong unique character that I wanted to learn more about her, too. The more this reader read the more I became obsessed. Jessie Pringle is not your carbon copy alpha female character or heroine. From the beginning we are shown and brought along on Jessie’s fearless journey. This heroine is not typical with her physical impediments but even more so is that she is hindered by the emotional scarring from the attack. Jessie is a one and a million woman who fights to regain her independence, her understanding of what happened to her. She is bound and determined to show others, but primarily herself, that she will never give up and be that broken shell of a woman again.

The one thing that will turn any reader away from a prominent book is its lack of characterization. HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAY is not short on some of the most fabulous characters that readers have come to enjoy. Along with Ian MacKeage and Jesse Pringle we are treated and reintroduced to the MacBain and more of that fabulously formidable MacKeage crew. The wily affectionate hermit that has his very own agenda sells a magical walking stick to Jessie. He is one of those characters that adds the comedy element, cracks the ice and will crack readers up. I do not know about you but I am a dog lover. I would have to, own two miniatures Dachshunds Magnum and Velocity along with a slandered gingersnap Dachshund named Bullet. My little guys would be very upset if I did not give props to Toby, the massive toffee and cocoa coated Rottweiler, Toby. The dog is an intricate character being Jessie Pringles service dog with a heart of gold. He stills every scene he is in and makes readers see a deeper traumatic side of our heroine. Without Toby, Jessie would not to function normally…or what she now considers normal. His is the fiercely loyal canine you want in your corner.

Any book that starts with a highlander is a very good book in deed. Add in a plot of a woman fighting to get her life back to normal all the while fighting against elements of her scared body, emotional damaged to being attacked and letting people get close to you than you have the beginning of HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS. The plot is intense but entertaining as readers participate in the struggle, conflict and overwhelming fight that set the tone for Chapman’s heroine to overcome. Fighting for what you want makes all the trials and tribulations worth the pain when you achieve your hearts desire.

As a reader we look for books that emotionally strike us. Chapman’s writing is concise and tight with intricate detailed imagery that leads readers into a believable imaginary world of the authors making. Chapman delivers as always. Her strong story lines, fleshed out characters with an intensely gripping prose prove why Chapman is one of today’s bestselling authors.
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Oct 10, 2012 May Mostly Romance rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, paranormal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Highlander for the Holidays ของเจเน็ต แชปแมน

เรื่องนี้ถือเป็นเล่มที่แปดในชุด Highlander แต่ว่าไปแล้วก็เกี่ยวเนื่องกันไปทั้งหมดล่ะค่ะ โดยเล่มนี้ถือเป็นเรื่องของทายาทรุ่นแรกของเหล่านักรบที่เดินทางข้ามเวลามายุคปัจจุบัน (ซึ่งเป็นสามเล่มแรกในชุด)

คงต้องบอกล่วงหน้านะคะว่า เราไม่แนะนำให้เริ่มต้นอ่านที่เล่มนี้ เพราะรายละเอียดจากเล่มก่อนหน้ามีเยอะมาก ความสัมพันธ์ของคาแร็คเตอร์ในเรื่อง โดยเฉพาะทางด้านครอบครัวของพระเอกซับซ้อนและสับสนในระดับนึง ขนาดเราเองที่อ่านมาทุกเล่มในชุดก็ยังงง ต้องไปดาวน์โหลดเอาแผนผังคร...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Felicity Green rated it 3 of 5 stars

Oh god I'm so embarrassed but yes, this is the SECOND terrible Janet Chapman time travel vaguely medieval Scottish dudes in kilts make the best lovers I've inhaled in recent weeks. What's even more terrible is that if another comes my way I will totally hole up and read it until it is done. They're . . . they're. . . what are they, exactly? I have no idea. When you have vaguely (very vaguely; Janet Chapman doesn't seem to be one of those historic romance writers who does her research) medieval S...more

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Dec 10, 2011 L.W. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was looking at my list and noticed the word Highlander on a lot of the books I've read. That being said, when I picked this up, I wondered if it would still be fresh, if it was reworking an old theme and if I was still going to to love this series. That's a main concern when you're a reading junkie like me...you want your favorite authors to write 6 books a year and all be fabulous stories and plot lines...

Anyway, I dug in...holding my breath, hoping this would live up to her past achievements...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Once Upon rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am a fan of anything that relates to highlander as you can notice by my preferred reading material. This is one of those books and is one as well that you’ll want to finish in one seating and relish the warmth and cozy feeling it provides.

Jessie is moving from the City in Georgia to a small town called Pine Creek in Maine. She is confident that this is the change she needs, even if family and friends believe that she has lost her mind and try to convince her to abort the plans. Something that...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, paranormal

I’m always wary after a number of books in a series that they can and will start to sound the same, nothing new going on, and everything becomes boring. But I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from the beginning. Janet Chapman has kept the characters and the storylines fresh and she’s kept these brawny Highland heroes true to their ancestry and homeland, though they’ve been in the modern-day United States for several decades now.

What started out as a time travel romance with the first book in...more I’m always wary after a number of books in a series that they can and will start to sound the same, nothing new going on, and everything becomes boring. But I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from the beginning. Janet Chapman has kept the characters and the storylines fresh and she’s kept these brawny Highland heroes true to their ancestry and homeland, though they’ve been in the modern-day United States for several decades now.

What started out as a time travel romance with the first book in the series has turned into one with magic dancing through these characters generation after generation. This time around it’s Ian MacKeage who must take responsibility for the magic coursing through him, especially after he meets Jessie, a woman both physically and mentally scarred after enduring a tragic and brutal attack.

Jessie has uprooted her life and come to TarStone Mountain Resort in Pine Creek, Maine to start anew. Since the death of her husband she’s felt out of sorts and out of place, not belonging any longer. So after perusing a brochure, she just knows this wonderful, magical place is where she needs to be, despite the flack she’s getting from family and friends. They want her to stay put, forget what happened, and go on with a life she’ll never be happy with.

But the moment she sets foot in Pine Creek, Jessie knows she’s done the right thing. And on her first night there she meets a man. Ian MacKeage. An old-fashioned, handsome, sexy Highlander. Which throws her into a panic wondering how he might react to her scarred and deformed body. Well, at least the place feels like home - especially when she finds the perfect house - and she figures Ian probably won’t bother with her again anyway.

Good thing Jessie figures wrong. Ian is completely taken with her, even more so after witnessing one of her flashbacks, which totally incapacitates her and requires her service dog, Tobias, to stand guard over her until she’s back on her feet. While Ian has his own demons to fight, which have caused him to spend more time on TarStone than in his own home after his return from Afghanistan, he still wants to get to know Jessie better. He also wants to prove to her that her disfigurement and scars don’t mean the same to him as they do to her. Ian MacKeage is the kind of man any woman would love to have in her life, accepting, nonjudgmental, loving, protecting and the list could go on forever.

Of course, with all the magic swirling around the MacKeages and TarStone, things get a wee off track at times and they have to find their way through, hoping they’re headed in the right direction. An ancestor of Ian’s - we’re talking from way back - meddles something fierce. He’s a hoot of a character, but Jessie learns and Ian knows not to second guess the man when it comes to his hints about the future. The scenes and descriptions of Camp Come-As-You-Are are fun and just the vehicle Jessie needs to know why Ian looks past her physical impediments and sees who she is inside.

The only thing that left me scratching my head and wondering about is near the end when Ian takes Jessie to the summit of TarStone and through his magic, which he now embraces, find out what happened that night four years ago when she was attacked. I know it’s his magic behind all of this, but I don’t understand his taking on the mountain to do it. Nothing more is said about that once he drives his staff into the rock and the magic takes over. We find out what happened to Jessie and who’s responsible for that night, but that’s all. Unless something just went right over my head, which is possible!

But even that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this book for me. It’s wonderful seeing the entire family again, catching up with them and their lives. And this book also has more of a Christmas feel to it than its predecessor, A Highlander Christmas - which I also enjoyed quite a bit - especially Jessie and her Christmas tree.

If you’ve not started reading this series and you’re a Highlander fan like me, you need to get with it. You have a lot of fun and magical reading ahead of you!

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Oct 05, 2011 Robin Priddy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Four years after an home invasion left her husban of three months dead and her fighting for her life, Jessie Pringle decides it is time to take over her life and stop feeling like a victim. Along with her service dog, a rottweiler named Toby, Jessie moves from Georgia to Pine Creek Maine to get away from her well meaning family. When Jessie was on the internet looking at ski resorts as far away north as you can get, she sent away for a brochure from TarStone Mountain Ski Resort. She dismisses th...more Four years after an home invasion left her husban of three months dead and her fighting for her life, Jessie Pringle decides it is time to take over her life and stop feeling like a victim. Along with her service dog, a rottweiler named Toby, Jessie moves from Georgia to Pine Creek Maine to get away from her well meaning family. When Jessie was on the internet looking at ski resorts as far away north as you can get, she sent away for a brochure from TarStone Mountain Ski Resort. She dismisses the resort and throws it away. But everytime she gets rid of it, the brochure keeps showing up and the more she sees it, the more she is convinced that this is the place she needs to start her life over at. There seems to be something magical about the mountain. Jessie's best friend travels with her to help her move. Their first night there they decide to go the local bar, Pete's, to check out the locals. Instead they end up getting checked out by two local men. Jessie finds herself instantly attracted to one of them, Ian MacKeage. Even though he is a large man, Jessie feels very comfortable with him. Daring to dream of more than a few slow dances and one very hot kiss.
Ian Mackeage is home after spending the last four years serving in Afghanistan. His father is one of the owners of TarStone Resort. Ian and his cousins are expected to take over the running of the resort when the elders step down. Ian has a special connection to the mountain itself, but it is one he dosen't want. From the first time Ian sees Jessie at the bar he finds himself drawn to her. When most people first see Jessie they see someone who appeares to be fragile, someone who needs to be protected. But Ian also sees her potential for recklessness. As he spends the evening with her the more he finds himself wanting her, but he knows he must go slow. When the evening is over Ian gets the feeling that this is just the start to something bigger. When the past come back to haunt Jessie, will Ian be able to keep her safe? The biggest question is will Ian come to accept his own destiny and will Jessie accept him?

This is Ms Chapman's eigth installment in her Highlander series. These stories are told in such a way that, even from the first book, you watch each and every character grow. With every installment of this series, its almost like comeing home and catching up with old friends and family. I have read and enjoyed each and every book Ms Chapman has put out. These are books you will keep forever and read over and over again.(less)

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Oct 27, 2011 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 5 of 5 stars

Janet Chapman does it again. This is the one author of a very few, that I know will never ever disappoint me. Ms Chapman can take an unlikely pairing of people and twine their stories and lives into something delicious and sexy to read. Moreover, “Highlander for the Holidays” is no exception. A lovely, sweet, and somewhat surprising love story mixed with a very non-taxing rather easy to solve mystery. This was just what I need during the holidays.

This is the story of Jessie Pringle and Ian MacK...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 2 of 5 stars

This started out as a cute holiday contemporary then ventured off in the the Twilight Zone.

First off the hero is Scottish, I totally get that but he's been born and raised in Maine in some small, backwater town and but still has a Scottish accent (ala Jamie from Outlander) with all the "ye's" and "ochs". All his male counterparts talk the same. Is it because they have a clan in this town? If so, wouldn't they have some sort of Maine accent, not a Scottish one?

Hero's Scottish ancestor from some p...more

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Nov 05, 2011 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, time-travel, druid, shifter, own, part-of-a-series, magic

OK... I'm having a problem with this story already. In the beginning of the story, it says "Help me Toby (her working dog)I lost my boob!"

Sooo this is what I am thinking. Prior to her attack, she had a job that does have insurance. Big corps it is a law to offer it, plus her husband had money... Umm people with breast cancer & have mastectomys (killed the spelling on that) get to have boobs replaced. It is covered. SOOO with her attack, why would she not have one. No girl with psycological...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Sara Oestreich rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-lit, chick-lit, paranormal, romance, series, trashy-romance

Let me just begin by saying, there’s nothing like starting a series with the very last book! Yep, you heard that right. It’s number 8 in the Highlander Series. I gather from a quick browse on Barnes and Noble that our hero is actually a son of one of the couples in the first books of the series. So if you’re familiar with the series you won’t find any comparisons from prior novels in this review. Nope. Instead I’m gonna break down why reading the last book in a series made me hungry to go back t...more Let me just begin by saying, there’s nothing like starting a series with the very last book! Yep, you heard that right. It’s number 8 in the Highlander Series. I gather from a quick browse on Barnes and Noble that our hero is actually a son of one of the couples in the first books of the series. So if you’re familiar with the series you won’t find any comparisons from prior novels in this review. Nope. Instead I’m gonna break down why reading the last book in a series made me hungry to go back to the beginning…

…Because you know I already have Charming the Highlander on my Nook. Yep, I’m good like that.

Without Further Ado…The reasons why I’m starting this series…

Complex Females. Jessie was messy. Not only was she recovering from a failed marriage and devastating loss of a child. She lost both the unborn child and (soon to be ex) husband when an unknown assailant attacked them in their home. Leaving Jessie riddled with traumatic flashbacks, disfiguring scars, and leg issues.

Now, before you go thinking “This is too much for me” or “I don’t like my romance heroines so tragic” Know that such events only lead to Jessie’s character seeming more spunky, funny, down-to-earth, and vulnerable. She seemed real. And this accessibility was because of her soap-opera like past rather than in-spite of it.

The Dog. Loved the dog in this book. Toby was as much of a main character in this book as his human counterparts. I don’t know if it was Ian’s innate connection with animals…or all of the various expressions Chapman gave Toby. But when Jessie starts talking to her dog like a person and he begins to respond (doggie style, no talking animals up in here)…You won’t think it’s weird at all. Mind you he doesn’t speak, but as a service dog trained to protect and comfort his owner a correctly placed tail wag can speak volumes. Bringing him into the story not only added a ‘cute’ factor but depth as well.

Hot Scottish Men. Let’s just repeat that statement. Hot, Scottish, Men. When you hit the scene where half the clan is splashing around a pool…the first time in a very long time I wished I could hop into the book. All those abs…

The premise of this series is that warriors from 18th century (or so) Scotland are tossed forward in time to find the women they are to love. Granted Ian isn’t an original clansman…instead a first generation child. The clan mentality with all its protective instincts and hearty family ethics are very much present in the tale. It’s like reading a historical romance with modern amenities. Very, very fun.

My only caveat with this tale was that we didn’t delve into Ian’s issues (war, being the prodigal son) as much as I’d have liked. I’m not sure if there was more prepping in earlier books(?) but reading this as a standalone I felt as though I was constantly being reminded of Ian’s issues without really seeing evidence of them.

Magic. So color me shocked when real magic began to happen in this book. Lead by Roger (the original Laird of the clan) the paranormal aspects were slowly seeped into the novel. Again, I think because I was so late to the game with this series I was really able to appreciate how well Jessie was integrated into the magical elements. I was new to them too and felt fully prepared when the big magic hit. I loved that. So many times in a series the reader was fully inundated into the world so you miss how choppy or quickly new characters are hit with the world. So I was so happy to see how smooth it all was. And how much I loved the character of Roger. You gotta read this to see him…I enjoyed him so much!

In the end this wasn’t the most “Christmas-y” of reads. True, it happened over the holiday. But could easily be read as a juicy winter read. Don’t be put off from the title simply because you didn’t have time this season…Or if you’re new like me, use the year to catch up and enjoy Jessie, Ian, and Toby next year. If you can wait that long!

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Nov 26, 2011 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, paranormal

Another top notch book from Janet Chapman. I have loved her blatantly alpha males from the beginning. From his first meeting with Jessie, Ian knew that she was something special. He could see the shadows in her eyes, and when he witness one of her seizures he went into full protection mode. He could also see that she was a capable and independent woman who didn't want to be coddled. At the same time, Jessie couldn't believe that she was so immediately attracted to Ian. Her exposure to the rest o...more

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Dec 16, 2011 Patricia rated it 4 of 5 stars

My first time reading Janet Chapman and boy was I glad I picked up this book. I've tried out new authors only to be disappointed but Janet can really draw the reader into the storyline with characters being lifelike, the storyline real. I read this book saying I'll get to the laundry or vacuuming after this chapter is done but I never put the book down. When this happens, I know I've found another reliable author. Being close to Christmas, I tend to read stories with Christmas themes and put off...more

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Dec 23, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

This is the first book by Chapman that I have read, but I really enjoyed it and plan on looking for more books by her. Chapman introduces a courageous heroine in Jessie Pringle who is trying to get on with her life after a brutal attack nearly killed her. I loved how Chapman made Jessie such a strong character whose physical imperfections didn't stop her from finding happiness, love, and a new life. Ian was the perfect hero for Jessie who had a few demons of his own to fight. The secondary chara...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Juliem rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book. So many elements I thought I would enjoy. But so many of the best parts took place off the page. The revisit of the trauma. The capture of the villain. So. Incredibly Frustrating. Anything that promised drama happened off stage. What we were left with was vanilla.

A huge disappointment was the fact that the 'magical ancestor' gave away so much information early in the book. It totally robbed the romance of any tension or power. And it was like the author was making up...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Jennifer Kronk rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-and-sci-fi, modern-romance

I liked this book so much until I got to the end. The ending is unsatisfying for a few reasons. It is also unsurprising. And the event that should have been the climax all happens "off-stage." What's that about?
However, what I like about the book was that the couple really likes each other. I'm tired of romances that begin with, "I hate him yet I am drawn to him!" I've read too many stories like that. It was nice to read about a couple who like each other and worked towards an actual relationshi...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Lyndsay rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander, magic, romance-modern, series, america-new-england, era-modern, alpha-male, tragic-past, small-town

TThis is the last in the Highlander series (SO FAR, PLEASE I HOPE SHE WRITES MORE). Ian is Morgan and Sadies son. His story is similar to his parents in that Jess has scars. She was almost murdered four years ago.
Roger has replaced Father Daar as the cantacrous old hermit on the mountain. A little anti climactic for the conclusin of the murder plot. It happens while Jess is asleep and well...it was a bit of a let down. Besides that Sweet story about courage and love and all that mushy stuff.

The...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Marcia Berg Haskell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, humor, love-the-series, paranormal, romance, series

"After a brutal attack, Jessie Pringle moved to the small mountain town of Pine Creek, Maine, to start over. But she never expected to meet Ian MacKeage, who had seemingly stepped right out of the Scottish Highlands. As drawn to Ian as he is to her, Jessie finds it more and more difficult to deny her own desires...

Then, on one of her long walks through the wilderness, she meets a kindly hermit who sells her a walking stick-one imbued with a magic that may allow Jessie to finally be rid of the pa...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Lis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a refreshing return to Maine and Mt. Tarstone. The story focused on Jessie who was drawn to Pine Lake and relocated from Atlanta based on a brochure she had seen. First night she meets Ian MacGregor and the rest of the story is how she is instantly adopted into the clan and all the pieces fall into romantic place. She gets a little nudge from the mysterious hermit Roger now and then, to help her work thru her past and the danger she and Ian still face. These books always end with the HE...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Edie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: popcorn-reads, it-hit-buttons

This was a total popcorn fun read.
I even managed to gloss over the really troubling traditional roles extolling, while some was tongue-in-cheek stuff, it was an underlying theme. Women, you had better be proper women, while the men be manly men.
There was also a few plot holes and odd continuity.
Oh and it is often told of the heroes issues, but they are never actually fleshed out or resolved?? Unless it was the magic hoohoo at work again.
But I inhaled it like popcorn, and it was the fluffy fi...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: galley, adult

Having not read any of Janet Chapman's work before, there were a couple things in this book that I didn't fully understand, but overall I enjoyed it regardless. Ian and Jessica were scarred, emotionally and physically, but still eager to jump into something after spending their first night drinking and dancing. The whole magic aspect was a little confusing, since again, I haven't read any of the books before this, but it lent a kind of supernatural quality to the story that I sometimes get a kic...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, janet-chapman, 4-star, favorites

I thoroughly enjoyed this free book I received from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. With a little bit of magic, a heavy dose of Scottish testosterone, and possibly the coolest dog ever…what’s not to like about Janet Chapman’s latest book in her Highlander series. Right from the get go, this book draws you into the quaint town of Pine Creek, Maine and doesn’t let go…I could almost smell the pine trees and fresh air as I was reading. Ian is extremely old-fashioned when it comes to romance, and...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Lover of Romance rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, holiday, magic, paranormal, time-travel

After a terrible event and four years later, Jessie is looking for a fresh start and a place to be herself once more....a magical place and when she comes across a brochure for a mountain town in Maine, she heads there as soon as she can knowing its exactly the place that she needs. On her first day she meets Ian, who reminds her of a conan the scottish highlander only way more sexy, and ever though her body is scarred and feels like less of a woman, he makes her feel more feminine and sensual t...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Crystal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, traded

Story - good. Series is getting more and more convoluted. First there were 5 men and a wizard - Pendaar. Then there were 5 men, Pendaar, and an owl. Later there were 5 men, Pendaar, an owl, a wolf... and was one of those 5 men possessing powers himself?? Then there were 5 men, Pendaar, an owl... and the baby all grown up who appeared to be able to circumvent Pendaar...and bring back a panther cub.

Then there were 5 men, Pendaar, the panther, the grown up kid... and the prophesied replacement for...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Miranda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorite-books

I find it difficult to put into words what exactly it is about this novel that endeared it so greatly to my heart. Perhaps if it had not provided a much needed escape for me this week, I would not have been left with such a profound, satisfied glow upon completion. I will never know the "why" of my immense enjoyment I suppose, but neither do I feel it matters.

I have found much to appreciate in each of Janet Chapman's novels; the Midnight Bay trilogy resides amongst my all time favorites--yet thi...more I find it difficult to put into words what exactly it is about this novel that endeared it so greatly to my heart. Perhaps if it had not provided a much needed escape for me this week, I would not have been left with such a profound, satisfied glow upon completion. I will never know the "why" of my immense enjoyment I suppose, but neither do I feel it matters.

I have found much to appreciate in each of Janet Chapman's novels; the Midnight Bay trilogy resides amongst my all time favorites--yet this is only the second of the Highlander series I would rate at 5 stars. Aside from my emotional connection to this emotionally charged journey, the plot was finely crafted. The lead characters were both ripe with substance, and fleshed out with their inward and outward imperfections. Being a lover of the classic style in the fantasy genre, I am rarely so impressed with the contemporary side. I also am not typically taken with this much realism mixed amongst my fiction…however, Highlander for the Holidays had me since the very first page.

Not since Michael MacBain have I adored the male lead of this series as much as I did Ian MaKeage. Reliable in the honor so deeply ingrained within him, un fallibly compassionate, utterly selfless, and as solid as Tarstone mountain. He somehow manages to walk that fine, complex line between the civility of the modern time to which he was born, and the intense, alpha code of his Highlander heritage. There is a intriguing twist with Ian, one that comes with a choice he must make, the author kept this happenstance painfully vague and I look forward to what it means for the future of this story arc.

Jessica Pringle was equally wonderful in her role as female lead. She was everything I look for in my heroine's. Despite her terrifying past, and the horror she has suffered, she holds a loving, and compassionate nature. This character was so real, believable, and inspiring to anyone who has led a similar life. Jessie has been repeatedly knocked down, yet just as many of us are required to do in our lives; she continues to get back to her feet, brushes herself off and simply puts one foot in front of the other. Instead of holding on to her bitterness, and allowing herself to be untrusting of any man who should come into her life--Jessie bravely accepts what she cannot change about yesterday, and focuses on what may be in store for tomorrow.

In addition to this superb couple, and the unfolding of their and sweetly romantic relationship--it was enjoyable meeting great side characters in Merrissa, and Roger, as well as many of the next generation MacKeage's and MacBain's. I wondered if the eccentric "justice of peace" was simply a cheap replacement for “father” Daar, (who moved to Midnight Bay with Kenzie Gregor) but I quickly found myself MORE enamored and attached to Roger. What a fabulous, humorous, whimsical character. I look so forward to reading more about him with the (hopefully) next installment in the Highlander series.

I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a fun, marvelously written escape into the magical and charming Highlands...of Pine Creek Maine that is. :)

Full review available at

http://www.thereadingcafe.com (less)

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Jan 07, 2012 Tina marked it as to-read

Shelves: janet-chapman, highlander, giveaway-contest

Disclaimer: I won this book in a Goodreads contest-Thanks!

I have always enjoyed Janet Chapman’s Highlander series. You are guaranteed a sweet romance. Highlander for the Holidays is no different. This is a good feel-put a smile on your face-sweet romance story.

I liked how the author introduced us to the heroine, Jessie. She is shrouded in mystery and you learn about her and her background in bits and pieces yet just enough to keep you interested. She is funny, quirky, resilient, and she talks to...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

A fun magical story.

I received this book as an ARC from Goodreads and enjoyed it immensely. This is the eighth in the Highlander series so I was worried I would be lost. I have this series on a TBR list however just have not started it. I was not lost at all. Although the story is about a large highland family from the past and present I was able to enjoy this story without all the backstory.

Jessie is a scared and scarred women who has selected Pine Creek as her healing place. The magical commun...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have yet to read a Chapman book I haven't loved. I started with the Dragon Warrior and have now read all the connected books to that storyline, so I decided to try her Scotish Warriors series by begining at the end lol (her most recently published story) and now I believe I will pick up all the previous Scotish Warrior books and read them as well. Good story, good connections between characters from different books which weaves together not just a tight story but a tight "world" that the stori...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Tonya Warner rated it 5 of 5 stars

I find the Highlanders series absolutely wonderful. A great story I just hated to see end.

Ian MacKeage is finally coming back to life after serving in Afghanistan. A big push from the fiesty Jessie Pringle and her service dog, Toby, has him debating if he wants to face his destiny. To do that, he will have to help Jessie come to terms with the demons from her past that have left her scarred inside and out.

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Aug 14, 2012 Kassi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just love the Highlander books from Janet Chapman. They are all sweet love stories with some back story about being able to love yourself first. For example this one goes through the story of Jessie coming to terms with her scars so that Ian can love her.
I love how these stories are all connected. Another example, Ian is the son of one of the eldest MacKeage brothers (Morgan). So it's fun to read through all of their stories. I think I need to go back and read through them all again.

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About Janet Chapman

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author

As I sit here, trying to put into words who I am, I can't help but think of hats. I know it's an old, time-worn cliche, but hats fit (no pun intended). Like everyone else, I wear many hats; daughter, sister, wife, mother... teacher and student, philosopher, dreamer... and now - officially - roma...more Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author

As I sit here, trying to put into words who I am, I can't help but think of hats. I know it's an old, time-worn cliche, but hats fit (no pun intended). Like everyone else, I wear many hats; daughter, sister, wife, mother... teacher and student, philosopher, dreamer... and now - officially - romance writer.

I began as a daughter, born in northern Maine, the last of five children. Over the years I picked up several new hats, each of them adding warmth and texture to my life. In 1977 I became a wife, in 1981 a mother (I liked it so much I did it again in 1984). And as each new hat was added, I found that I've became stronger, more comfortable with the fit, and happier.

Teacher and student, dreamer and philosopher are life-long hats silently grown like a second skin. And it is from this foundation that I write my novels.

I have no idea what compels me to write, I only know that I must. I have always spun stories in my head, even as a child. But something - who knows what lurks deep in our subconscious - sat me in front of a blank computer screen one day and made me put those stories into words.

That was eight books ago. Charming the Highlander is the first one published. The others, like valued friends, exist only to keep me humble.

And so now, when asked what I do, I smile and say I'm a romance writer. There is the occasional raised eyebrow in response, and my smile widens. I tell them I'm a Mainer, so what else is there to write about? I'm living smack in the middle of a romantic landscape, nestled between an invigorating ocean and embracing mountains, all cloaked in a mantle of wilderness. The people of Maine are stalwart, independent, and willing to meet life head-on. They probably don't think of themselves as romantic, but they are its very essence.

This is why my stories are set here. And why I wish to share them with the rest of the world.
I live in a log home on a lake in central Maine. I've been married for twenty-five years and have two remarkable sons. We own more boats than we have people to run them, but it's a diversified group. I own a kayak, which is just my speed. My husband owns a fishing boat, two sailboats, a canoe, and an ice sailboat.

We spend a lot of time outside. Heck, I often write outside (kudos to the inventor of laptops). When I feel the need to go to the mountains or the ocean (depending on what book I'm working on) my husband hooks up the camper, packs up his boat, and takes me there. He fishes - I write. He cooks - I write. He vacuums, does laundry, mows the lawn - I write. It's a very nice routine we've worked out, don't you think? He takes care of the details of life and I write.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am that Pocket Books is publishing my stories. It truly is a dream come true, and a validation of years and years of hard work. But most rewarding, I think, is that I will get to share this special corner of my world with the rest of you.

So check back with me from time to time, and let me know what you're thinking. I'll write Letters from LakeWatch to keep you up to date on what's happening, and previews and excerpts from upcoming books.(less)

More about Janet Chapman...

Books by Janet Chapman

Charming the Highlander (Highlander, #1)

Tempting the Highlander (Highlander, #4)

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“Toby placed his front paws on the track, looked up at Ian, and whined.

"What in hell are you wearing, big man?" he asked, staring down at the dog.

"It's his sweater."

"That's a terrible thing to do to a noble beast," Ian muttered, grabbing the sweater by the hem and pulling it up over Toby's head.

-Ian and Jessie” — 2 people liked it

“Oh yeah; his chest still hurt from the blow she'd given him earlier, and was now throbbing quite painfully with wanting her. Keeping her lips occupied while being mindful she wasn't very limber, Ian maneuvered Jessie onto his lap and tucked her head into the crook of his arm to get serious about loving her mouth.” — 1 person liked it

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Highlander for the Holidays (Pine Creek Highlanders #8)

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