Customer Reviews

Anam Cara

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
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Keena Kincaid weaves a love story that spans the centuries in "Anam Cara." Anam Cara means soul friend, and that's what Bran ap Owen has found in Liza, his soul friend that he's traveled the centuries with. Unfortunately for Bran, no matter what he does to right the wrong that put him on the karmic wheel he's on, Liza's headstrong nature threatens to derail him. Full of angst and longing, Anam Cara tells a mesmerizing tale of soul friends and their journey to find love.

The story begins with Bran having a memory as a Roman soldier and the event that put him on the karmic wheel, his betrayal of Liza. Several centuries later, it is 1161 and Bran is a mistral, traveling with his younger brother, Aedan. They encounter an inn run by Liza. The moment Bran sees Liza, he feels an immediate connection. She's the inn's alekeep and while she accepts the mistrals, she's not fond of them. Bran and Aedan reveal they have roots in Duncarnoch,nearby land, and have the ability to read each other's thoughts. It's something they keep to themselves. Duncarnoch isn't far away from the inn.

While at the inn, the local nobleman, Michael Wakefield, attacks Liza's daughter, Tess. Bran and Aedan stop it, but the nobleman has gone to the sheriff seeking retribution for being attacked. The sheriff does his investigation and recommends the case to the Earl of Duncarnoch. The Earl is gone for a bit, so the sheriff allows Liza to stay at the inn with Bran watching over her.

Tess and Aedan soon fall in love and she gives her heart to him. They make love in the fields. They don't tell Liza because Liza is very protective of Tess and they worry that she'll hurt Aedan. As Tess and Aedan get closer, Bran is making headway with Liza. Liza soon relaxes around him and the couple becomes lovers.

The Earl has returned to Duncarnoch and the sheriff sends for Liza and Bran. Bran is cousin to the Earl's wife, Kathryn, and is well received in Duncarnoch. The Earl hears Liza and Wakefield out. He also "outs" Liza's secret - she's a high born noblewoman. The Earl, Richard, rules on the side of Liza. Wakefield, upset, kidnaps Tess. Aedan goes after Tess and almost dies at Wakefield's hand.

The novel engages an interesting concept, karmic love throughout the ages and I read the book interested in how the author would explore the topic. Bran is a very likable character. The reasons for his motivations are fleshed out well. Liza has been so hurt over the ages, she's developed a thick "skin," but eventually warms to Bran. The supporting cast is interesting. The plot is credible and the pace of the novel was just right. Kincaid's love scenes are tasteful and sensual. The author's love of medieval history shines in the story. Bran speaks with an accent throughout the novel. This brings authencity to the character, but I found it hard to read at times, and it did slow me down as I stopped to figure out what he was saying at times.

Overall, I found this compelling read. "Anam Cara" proves that love does last forever.

I fully encourage anyone who has a passion for true love; eternal love, to read Keena Kincaid's "Anam Cara". It's a stirring, well written novel.

Having never read this genre, I was initially drawn in by the rich imagery of life in 12th century England, complete with vibrantly colorful characters who are so real, they practically walk off the page and into your mind. Bran is the mystical Pagan Bard who carries a memory from a thousand years ago deep within his soul. Liza is the mysterious alekeep of the 'Knight's End' inn who is suddenly caught up in Bran's mission. Resist though she may, their lives become entwined.

Add to this the author's fine use of dialogue and social commentary and the novel becomes a book you will want to read again. And that's exactly what I plan to do.

And by the way, as a guy, I would recommend to anyone that this would make an excellent gift for your male partner or friend. Bran is a "man's man" and the action & plot are very satisfying. That it's an endearing romance makes it perfect.

He travels as a bard, disguising his real purpose - as a teacher and priest of the old ways. He struggles through the centuries to right a wrong which occurred numerous lives in the past. He finds her soul again and again but never achieves her forgiveness. But perhaps this life will be the one . . .

It isn't often I read a book and find it a perfect compliment of romance, adventure, sex and a wonderful ending, but I found it in Anam Cara! Ms. Kincaid writes a gripping tale from the beginning to the very last page. My only criticism was that it ended too soon! If you like history, paranormal and romance all rolled into one, you'll love this story, as I did.

I LOVED this story. Fantastic plot, memorable characters, and terrific command of the historical period. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read the sequel.

Set in the 1100s in Carlisle, England, this historical romance has overtones of the paranormal. Bran, a bard, lives his life over and over trying to right an ancient betrayal. His love interest, his "soul-mate", his anam cara, Liza is a freewoman, who runs an inn, in a time when this was virtually non-existent. The pair meets, once again, and while Bran recognizes her at once, he has much to overcome in winning the fair Liza.

Will this time he succeed? Or will betrayal once again define their love? Definitely worth finding out for yourself...read this debut novel from author Keena Kincaid!

I don't typically read historical romance, but I adored this book simply because it is so wonderfully written. I love a good metaphor and Anam Cara is just teeming with creative, poignant ones (e.g., "the wine filled her mouth like a kiss " -- ok, technically that's a simile, but you get my drift). The pace and level of complexity are just right -- not so erudite that you want to rip the thesaurus from the author's grip, yet clever in her deft use of language and wit. I savored every page.

I couldn't put this book down. Anam Cara is magnificent! Keena Kincaid transported me back to ancient Carlisle to a time of bards and barmaids, of ancient love and loss. The world she has created is rich, vivid and bursting with life. I sat in the orchard and walked the stone circle along with Bran and Liza, and was charmed by Bran and Aedan's gifts of magick. I ached with Bran and felt his centuries of pain, and cheered for him to find his love. This book was a true wonder of historical romance. You MUST buy this book. I can't wait for Ms. Kincaid's next book.

I typically read mysteries, so I wasn't sure if a "historical romance" was for me. But I loved this book! It was full of amazing detail, characters you can fall in love with, intrigue and mystery at every turn. It was so intense toward the end I couldn't put it down, and the ending did not disappoint!

Passionate love that lasts thousands of years. Mystical, musical mystery. A gorgeous mesmerizing hero on a secret quest and a stunning, independent heroine guarding her own truth. A young runaway monk, oops, canon, captivated by an innocent beauty. It's all here, wrapped in perilous medieval mist. Enthralling. Read at your own risk. The world as you know it will vanish until you reach the end.

I read this book in one sitting; truly could not put it down. Every time I thought I was approaching a point where I could finally take a break and get some sleep, another surprise would pull me in and another two hours would fly by!

Must echo the other reviewer's opinion of Bran. I truly can't imagine a better hero than this tortured minstrel destined to live again and again until he gets his love story right. In this incarnation, set in 1161 Carlisle, England, his love is Liza. This no-nonsense inkeeper has exactly the life she wants -- until Bran shows up one sweltering evening and puts everything she has built at risk.

Bran alone is worth reading this book for; Bran and Liza together are unforgettable. You'll read ANAM CARA again and again - I'm already on read #3. Can't wait to see what Ms. Kincaid serves up in her next book.