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

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