Written by: Keena Kincaid
Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-409
327 pages
$14.99
4.5 Stars
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.
StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment