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Celtic Legend #1
Twice Upon A Time
IRELAND. 513 A.D.
Born on Samhain Eve to the most powerful priestess in Ulster, this bold warrior king's conquests are legendary. But Conaire knows he is no ordinary man. Some whisper that he is not a man at all.
The daughter of a vanquished king, exiled from her tribe, Brigid possesses the sacred gift of prophecy. Enchanted by her solemn beauty and magical powers, Conaire defies his people to make her his queen -- only to lose her in a shattering act of treachery....
FRANCE. 1249 A.D.
Doomed to wander the world alone, Conaire is brought by a stunning twist of fate to a stranger's bedside. Her name is Deirdre, and in her mystical green eyes he recognizes his lost love.
Now, in a land seething with dark intrigue, murderous passions and ancient secrets, Conaire and Deirdre must fight to reclaim the passion kindled so many centuries before -- an immortal love destined to bind their souls through all eternity....
Born on Samhain Eve to the most powerful priestess in Ulster, this bold warrior king's conquests are legendary. But Conaire knows he is no ordinary man. Some whisper that he is not a man at all.
The daughter of a vanquished king, exiled from her tribe, Brigid possesses the sacred gift of prophecy. Enchanted by her solemn beauty and magical powers, Conaire defies his people to make her his queen -- only to lose her in a shattering act of treachery....
FRANCE. 1249 A.D.
Doomed to wander the world alone, Conaire is brought by a stunning twist of fate to a stranger's bedside. Her name is Deirdre, and in her mystical green eyes he recognizes his lost love.
Now, in a land seething with dark intrigue, murderous passions and ancient secrets, Conaire and Deirdre must fight to reclaim the passion kindled so many centuries before -- an immortal love destined to bind their souls through all eternity....
298 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1994
1010 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Ann Verge
31 books110 followersLisa Ann Verge was a PhD candidate in organic chemistry when she began writing emotionally-intense romances about hot men and dangerous women and, as Lisa Verge Higgins, penning life-affirming, critically acclaimed women’s fiction. Published worldwide in eighteen languages, Lisa has earned a Bean Pot and a RITA nomination and is the winner of three Golden Leaf trophies and five RT Book awards. When not writing, she hunts wild mushrooms, studies Turkish, and keeps tabs on the antics of her three wild-and-talented daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 17, 2012
I read this many years ago but it is a keeper and i have re-read this many times. Why I liked this book was because the story had similarities to the 1980s movie The Highlander ( in those days, the lead Christopeher Lambert had a droolworthy body and this really dates me ! )
The story has two parts to in ... Part one takes In 513AD in Ireland. He is a warrior / king and although he does not know it, he is has faery blood in him and is immortal. She is an exiled healer. The moving part of this story is that he dies; then comes back to life; while she accepts him the rest of the village banishes both of them. They live out the rest of her life on a remote isle ( she grows old but he doesnt ) . After she dies, he vows never to love another again.
Part two of the book takes place many centuries later . He is a doctor In 1249 AD and he saves a sick woman, only to discover that it is his beloved. Sigghhhh.... Heart pitter patter.
The story has two parts to in ... Part one takes In 513AD in Ireland. He is a warrior / king and although he does not know it, he is has faery blood in him and is immortal. She is an exiled healer. The moving part of this story is that he dies; then comes back to life; while she accepts him the rest of the village banishes both of them. They live out the rest of her life on a remote isle ( she grows old but he doesnt ) . After she dies, he vows never to love another again.
Part two of the book takes place many centuries later . He is a doctor In 1249 AD and he saves a sick woman, only to discover that it is his beloved. Sigghhhh.... Heart pitter patter.
May 28, 2018
this didn't do it for me, there was a lot of misspellings and missing words, and though the premise of following a fated couple through two different lifetimes was a good one, it bothered me that the two lifetimes were pretty much the same, I ended up skipping a lot of the second life because I'd pretty much already read it..
August 6, 2018
I have decided to not read further at 30%. Too many other books to discover when this one is leaving me bored. I read up to when the destined characters have sex and yawned before they could complete.
Cheers
Cheers
Read
June 5, 2023Gave up at 10%. Felt no connection to the story or the characters.
September 3, 2022
If you're really into acts of service as your love language, this one is definitely your jam. Our leading lady's idea of wooing isn't pretty clothes, prettier language, or pretty boy hanging around while she does chores. It's literally:
"Go fix the roof."
"Fine, will you go to bed with me if I do?"
"Ehhh go cut some wood."
"Unbelievable. I am a KING goddammit!"
It's a HEA, but it's definitely bittersweet and just so sad most of the time. It's to be expected when you have characters who are human enough to relate to (they bleed, mourn, and feel complete, sweeping joy) but who are definitely not entirely of this world.
Unfortunately, the world they inhabit is real and comprised of actual historical events (kudos for the insane amount of research and accuracy!). These historical events include the encroaching of Christianity in the fifth century over Ireland and the way the old Gods began to die as people stopped believing in them, eventually vilifying anyone who did.
So you can only imagine how well things turn out for Conor and Brigid, who both have more than a couple of drops of fairy blood in them but who are still forced to exist in the mortal world. Along with the writer's way with words - you can really feel the grass growing around you and bask in the sun as it filters in through the trees - it can make you cry or at least come really close to it.
I haven't read anything this pretty in a while. It's really a work of art.
"Go fix the roof."
"Fine, will you go to bed with me if I do?"
"Ehhh go cut some wood."
"Unbelievable. I am a KING goddammit!"
It's a HEA, but it's definitely bittersweet and just so sad most of the time. It's to be expected when you have characters who are human enough to relate to (they bleed, mourn, and feel complete, sweeping joy) but who are definitely not entirely of this world.
Unfortunately, the world they inhabit is real and comprised of actual historical events (kudos for the insane amount of research and accuracy!). These historical events include the encroaching of Christianity in the fifth century over Ireland and the way the old Gods began to die as people stopped believing in them, eventually vilifying anyone who did.
So you can only imagine how well things turn out for Conor and Brigid, who both have more than a couple of drops of fairy blood in them but who are still forced to exist in the mortal world. Along with the writer's way with words - you can really feel the grass growing around you and bask in the sun as it filters in through the trees - it can make you cry or at least come really close to it.
I haven't read anything this pretty in a while. It's really a work of art.
May 5, 2018
Wonderful Story of Old Irish Faeries And Their Games With Humans
This goes with the story of a man Conner who only knows what a unusual warrior he is . Now he has earned a kingdom of his own after years of battles. He finds a young woman who has been cast out by her father the old king, he is drawn to her like no other.. She will lead him on a merry chase but love him till she dies, of old age. Their life covers many ups and downs that not even death can stop for they will each face the lost of the other. Then 600 years later, Conner will be let to the sick bed of a young girl who no doctor has been able to heal Deirdre . The carries are bothering him again, at this time every year. He will come to find all he has lost in this young woman and in their future together. But to find I the must except what has to be, change a little of what was this time, while she must BELIEVE and trust him above all she thinks she knows. Really good.
This goes with the story of a man Conner who only knows what a unusual warrior he is . Now he has earned a kingdom of his own after years of battles. He finds a young woman who has been cast out by her father the old king, he is drawn to her like no other.. She will lead him on a merry chase but love him till she dies, of old age. Their life covers many ups and downs that not even death can stop for they will each face the lost of the other. Then 600 years later, Conner will be let to the sick bed of a young girl who no doctor has been able to heal Deirdre . The carries are bothering him again, at this time every year. He will come to find all he has lost in this young woman and in their future together. But to find I the must except what has to be, change a little of what was this time, while she must BELIEVE and trust him above all she thinks she knows. Really good.
April 9, 2021
What do you do if you have the sight?
Conor’s mother was a pagan priestess who died birthing him. Nobody knew who his father was and he had to fight for his place all of his life. One thing that was notable about him was that he didn’t age as did his friends. He became a mighty warrior and king. His prowess in all things made him arrogant so when he was given advice by his wife he didn’t listen. So began a journey that was soaked in sorrow.
This story is soaked in Irish beliefs going back to the early days of the Roman church in Ireland. It questions whether the old beliefs ever really died out and acknowledges the fact that many of the old beliefs were integrated into early Christianity, such as Samhain becoming All Hallows’ Eve (Hallowe’en). Even Christmas and Easter have their roots in the old beliefs.
I have to admit to being cynical and can’t see a gently reared girl being satisfied with a peasant’s life, but that’s just me. LOL.
Conor’s mother was a pagan priestess who died birthing him. Nobody knew who his father was and he had to fight for his place all of his life. One thing that was notable about him was that he didn’t age as did his friends. He became a mighty warrior and king. His prowess in all things made him arrogant so when he was given advice by his wife he didn’t listen. So began a journey that was soaked in sorrow.
This story is soaked in Irish beliefs going back to the early days of the Roman church in Ireland. It questions whether the old beliefs ever really died out and acknowledges the fact that many of the old beliefs were integrated into early Christianity, such as Samhain becoming All Hallows’ Eve (Hallowe’en). Even Christmas and Easter have their roots in the old beliefs.
I have to admit to being cynical and can’t see a gently reared girl being satisfied with a peasant’s life, but that’s just me. LOL.
November 2, 2024
I'm not much of a romance lover since my late teens (the time I devoured them), and this novel is exactly like that. I also struggled with the narrative and found both stories drawn out with very little happening.
However, my four stars come from the narrative. Crazy right? The reason is that I never read a novel with so many complicated words that I'd never heard or read before but nevertheless understood. That's talent. And even though I found the novel boring, the story kept me captivated enough to finish.
I enjoyed the character of Octavius in the second story. He really brightened it up for me, as well as the surprise role of Moira, the servant. That was an intriguing twist, as was the ending of this Irish tale. Nicely done, Lisa Ann Verge.
However, my four stars come from the narrative. Crazy right? The reason is that I never read a novel with so many complicated words that I'd never heard or read before but nevertheless understood. That's talent. And even though I found the novel boring, the story kept me captivated enough to finish.
I enjoyed the character of Octavius in the second story. He really brightened it up for me, as well as the surprise role of Moira, the servant. That was an intriguing twist, as was the ending of this Irish tale. Nicely done, Lisa Ann Verge.
June 5, 2021
Conor was a warrior of true fairy blood but he didn’t know the truth until it was to late. Bridget was a young woman with the gift of sight who knew when she would find her warrior husband. Unbeknownst to her he came in a different form than what she was expecting. The problem was he was very prideful and unyielding in his ways of listening to anything she said. When tragedy befell them he took the full brunt of all that came and had to relearn what it is to see what you have wrought. He meets Diedre who just happens to bear the spirit of his dead wife Bridget and so the cycle begins again but with a new twist and a different outcome.
September 8, 2024
Not the average time travel book and not at all similar to Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’ series.
Character development is sorely lacking, as is the overall storyline. The beginning of the book was tiresome and unbelievably boring up until midway.
This is a beautifully written poignant tale of an immortal warrior who cares for his mortal wife as she grows old and infirm, staying through to the end when he builds her funeral pyre. It was all I could do to not cry my eyes out whilst reading.
Fast forward 7 centuries to when he meets his wife, reborn, and we are back to the same story, second time around. Twice Upon A Time ends well with a little help from the faery people.
Character development is sorely lacking, as is the overall storyline. The beginning of the book was tiresome and unbelievably boring up until midway.
This is a beautifully written poignant tale of an immortal warrior who cares for his mortal wife as she grows old and infirm, staying through to the end when he builds her funeral pyre. It was all I could do to not cry my eyes out whilst reading.
Fast forward 7 centuries to when he meets his wife, reborn, and we are back to the same story, second time around. Twice Upon A Time ends well with a little help from the faery people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
nevermind
November 2, 2020DNF at 33% ish.
This is well-written, but I'm finding the story boring. And although it may be accurate for the times (like, way back when Christianity was spreading), I don't like that the hero has two other wives that he abandons for the heroine (yay for forsaking other women but boo for polygamy). He's also a jerk in general and I don't like him. I'm bummed because I loved Heaven In His Arms.
This is well-written, but I'm finding the story boring. And although it may be accurate for the times (like, way back when Christianity was spreading), I don't like that the hero has two other wives that he abandons for the heroine (yay for forsaking other women but boo for polygamy). He's also a jerk in general and I don't like him. I'm bummed because I loved Heaven In His Arms.
October 30, 2022
Do You🐺💪🗡🐎 Want To Live Forever💔?
ADULT Medieval Highlander🏰🐺💪🗡🐎 Adventure with Romance💕.
This is a FICTIONAL novel based on TRUE history and real events.
Love 💘 lasts forever in the heart of immortal Highlander. Connor🐺💪🗡🐎.
If you loved💕 the undying bittersweet love 💘 and romance scenes from the movie, Highlander,(1986) , you will love this deeply moving and emotional novel by Author📚 Lisa Ann Verge.
I got this ebook from Amazon 📚 with KU.
Put your sheep skins on, because its cold outside.....
ADULT Medieval Highlander🏰🐺💪🗡🐎 Adventure with Romance💕.
This is a FICTIONAL novel based on TRUE history and real events.
Love 💘 lasts forever in the heart of immortal Highlander. Connor🐺💪🗡🐎.
If you loved💕 the undying bittersweet love 💘 and romance scenes from the movie, Highlander,(1986) , you will love this deeply moving and emotional novel by Author📚 Lisa Ann Verge.
I got this ebook from Amazon 📚 with KU.
Put your sheep skins on, because its cold outside.....
March 23, 2023
This was a big book...now I wish it could go on forever!!!!
This book made me feel joy, love, sad, happy, probably every emotion possible! How this author's imagination could send .e in so many directions is remarkable! There is so much you don't understand in the beginning, then all of a sudden, it all makes sense. She described the people, the landscapes, the emotions being felt by the characters in such detail, that you really wanted to be there. I loved the magic of the fairy people! I loved this book!!!
This book made me feel joy, love, sad, happy, probably every emotion possible! How this author's imagination could send .e in so many directions is remarkable! There is so much you don't understand in the beginning, then all of a sudden, it all makes sense. She described the people, the landscapes, the emotions being felt by the characters in such detail, that you really wanted to be there. I loved the magic of the fairy people! I loved this book!!!
November 12, 2018
A beautiful story of an immortal Irish man, his love, Brigid, and of Irish faeries. Set in Ireland under its early influence by Christianity and then later in France at the time of the Inquisition. Conor, a man searching for his past, meets and falls in love with Brigid, an outcast who has visions brought by the faeries. He discovers his immortality when he is killed but rises again a few days later. After a lifetime together she dies of old age and he swears to never love again.
May 26, 2022
Heartfelt Writing
I’m not a big romance fan but this was lovely to read. The interactions between Conor and Brigid were a tug of war that in the end became quite emotional to read. Then came the second time around with a couple of interesting character twists. It’s a bit slow moving which is something that comes with romance fiction but I liked the infusion of magic and early Celtic traditions.
I’m not a big romance fan but this was lovely to read. The interactions between Conor and Brigid were a tug of war that in the end became quite emotional to read. Then came the second time around with a couple of interesting character twists. It’s a bit slow moving which is something that comes with romance fiction but I liked the infusion of magic and early Celtic traditions.
December 2, 2017
This was a emotional read. Conor was the son of a Sidhe warrior and was immortal but he fell in love
in love with Brigid in a time when fairies still danced in the woods. At the time Conor and Brigid fell in love Conor didn't know he was immortal. The story of their love and the story of Conor's life after.
It was so full of emotion and tears and I loved it.
in love with Brigid in a time when fairies still danced in the woods. At the time Conor and Brigid fell in love Conor didn't know he was immortal. The story of their love and the story of Conor's life after.
It was so full of emotion and tears and I loved it.
October 21, 2018
Light and airy - like the mystery of the Sidh!
Engaging, romantic, and fun to read. The weaving of Druid ways and history that has led to our current beliefs was well woven into the fabric of the tale. Warmed my heart and made me want to keep reading to see when Conor would find his love again.
Engaging, romantic, and fun to read. The weaving of Druid ways and history that has led to our current beliefs was well woven into the fabric of the tale. Warmed my heart and made me want to keep reading to see when Conor would find his love again.
July 7, 2020
💥💥💥💥💥
Five stars is not enough for this book. I cried!!!!! I have never cried while reading a story. My heart broke and tears ran. It held my attention all the way.... No pausing. I've now started to look up all the places so I can see where they had lived. I'm happy to say they all exist.
Five stars is not enough for this book. I cried!!!!! I have never cried while reading a story. My heart broke and tears ran. It held my attention all the way.... No pausing. I've now started to look up all the places so I can see where they had lived. I'm happy to say they all exist.
March 12, 2021
Who Wants to Live Forever?
Conor didn't know his heritage. He wins the war against Brigid's father, King of the clan, so he becomes the new over-king. Brigid attracts him strongly and eventually they marry.Then he is killed and buried and comes out of the tomb. It's a very interesting story. Have tissues available.
Conor didn't know his heritage. He wins the war against Brigid's father, King of the clan, so he becomes the new over-king. Brigid attracts him strongly and eventually they marry.Then he is killed and buried and comes out of the tomb. It's a very interesting story. Have tissues available.
June 25, 2021
A love of two goals coming together
It was interesting to see the twist and turns in this story. I believe that the only thing that could have made the story better was if the both had been immortal. I loved the way the two goals did have a happy ending. I also loved the way the author leaves the ending for a possible sequel. I would be interested to see where it goes next
It was interesting to see the twist and turns in this story. I believe that the only thing that could have made the story better was if the both had been immortal. I loved the way the two goals did have a happy ending. I also loved the way the author leaves the ending for a possible sequel. I would be interested to see where it goes next
September 18, 2021
4.5 stars
The world building was really well done, and the characters nicely fleshed out, so it was easy to root for them and their romance.
Also I liked a lot the language used by the characters... it didn't feel "modern" but it was easy to read, and it was perfect for the magical story.
I definitely want to read more books by this author.
The world building was really well done, and the characters nicely fleshed out, so it was easy to root for them and their romance.
Also I liked a lot the language used by the characters... it didn't feel "modern" but it was easy to read, and it was perfect for the magical story.
I definitely want to read more books by this author.
March 6, 2025
Will continue series because...
Excellent storyline
A roundabout way of storytelling . Alot of descriptive passages that were sometimes unnecessary and over done. But still, a good read because of the story, characters mystique and historical fantasy. Author did a good job of tying the mythical with the "real life" of the characters .
Excellent storyline
A roundabout way of storytelling . Alot of descriptive passages that were sometimes unnecessary and over done. But still, a good read because of the story, characters mystique and historical fantasy. Author did a good job of tying the mythical with the "real life" of the characters .
October 8, 2017
Meh
Just a bit predictable and easy to put down for me. I read 3 or 4 other books then remembered I had this still hanging about 3/4 unfinished so an hour later it, and I, were finished with each other. Now I can clear up space for a good book!
Just a bit predictable and easy to put down for me. I read 3 or 4 other books then remembered I had this still hanging about 3/4 unfinished so an hour later it, and I, were finished with each other. Now I can clear up space for a good book!
April 12, 2021
I got this book free and read it on Kindle. Either from BookBub or thefussylibrarian.
I enjoyed the story. Conor had his trials with being immortal.
The romantic emotions and touching go on a bit. I was flipping through pages of their emotions and touching.
I enjoyed the story.
I enjoyed the story. Conor had his trials with being immortal.
The romantic emotions and touching go on a bit. I was flipping through pages of their emotions and touching.
I enjoyed the story.
April 16, 2021
A magical story
Seems a true Irish folktale. Conor and Bridgid are a couple that found love that lasts forever. Well written and I couldn't wait to see the end. Look forward to a new tale
Seems a true Irish folktale. Conor and Bridgid are a couple that found love that lasts forever. Well written and I couldn't wait to see the end. Look forward to a new tale
August 23, 2021
Twice Upon A Time (The Celtic Legends, #1) by Lisa Ann Verge --I'm not usually a huge fan of reincarnation stories, but this one was pretty good. The ending was spot on, and I can't wait to read the next one in the series! Happy Reading!
September 15, 2021
If I could give more stars I would!
Such a heartbreaking, uplifting, magical read. The twisting of fate and the repeat of histories unfinished, A love beyond death, all perfectly jumbled with Celtic histories and the rival of the Christians. An adventure worth the many hours read.
Such a heartbreaking, uplifting, magical read. The twisting of fate and the repeat of histories unfinished, A love beyond death, all perfectly jumbled with Celtic histories and the rival of the Christians. An adventure worth the many hours read.
September 6, 2022
I love this genre: historical fantasy. This author is an excellent story weaver! And I loved the premise. Enjoyed the detailed description of life in those 'times'...the myths & rituals, foods, clothing, forests and nature all around.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
YB
I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
YB
September 12, 2022
i got angry, I cried and I felt so. ish happiness in this whole adventure..
Loved this story line and the journey it brought me through!
So romantic .. loved every minute of it. Well worth the read
Loved this story line and the journey it brought me through!
So romantic .. loved every minute of it. Well worth the read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews