Disfigured Moira Gunn has spent years in hiding after a failed attempt on her life, but disappearing only let evil gain a foothold. Now, with the untimely death of the clan's heir, the laird's widow is seeking a marriage alliance with their powerful neighbors... except as eligible maidens gather at the castle they fall victim to mysterious accidents. And Moira blames herself.
Meanwhile Evan Sinclair fears his family is walking into a trap and even as the overlooked second son, he will do anything to keep them safe. Donning a disguise to gather vital information about the Gunns, he stumbles into the middle of a rescue and is soon leading a group of innocents into the rugged wilderness.
These unlikely allies have laid their lives on the line, but what can two outcasts do against an army? And when his lies are exposed, who can she trust?
Fans of medieval romance, the Scottish Highlands, and rooting for the underdog will fall in love with the world Within the Castle Gates.
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Candee Fick is a multipublished, award-winning author. She is also the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy writing, editing, or coaching other authors, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.
Be sure to follow her BookBub for the latest on sale and new releases: https://bit.ly/4a2PCyU
Moira was the daughter of a dying Scottish clan laird. In order to gain power, Moira’s stepmother needed them both dead. She nearly succeeded with Moira.
Surviving a vicious attack, Moira was taken in by the village innkeepers and became "Maggie". She was able to survive anonymously for five years, that is, until the day soldiers from the castle came searching for marriageable girls for the neighboring clan. One look at her scarred face and revulsion turned their heads. All but two men. One evil, one not.
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Of note: The cover seems to feature a girl from the 21st century standing in a pastoral setting and an old Scottish castle. The years for the setting of this book are actually 1412-1417. So this is, in fact, historical fiction.
This was a cute little book that gave a sincere focus on God in the lives of the two main characters.
STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT is a step into a new genre for author Candee Fick. I've read (and loved) her contemporary Christian romances, but this is the first medieval romance I've read by her.
Both the hero and the heroine (and a host of secondary characters) are underdogs, and the heroine is viciously attacked and barely escapes with her life. Even though she is horribly scarred as a result of the attack, she is super strong and forges a new life -- even when she must run at a moment's notice.
Full of suspense, I wondered how the world would ever right itself and the hero and heroine would find their rightful places. I knew who was behind the attacks and I knew why, but there were still many surprises and twists and the suspense comes in HOW the villain would get caught!
If you love medieval or historical romantic suspense you will love STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT.
I have loved Candee Fick's contemporary Christian fiction and it looks like the same terrific reading experience will extend to her historical books.
Stepping Into The Light takes the reader into a medieval world filled with the beauty of the Scottish highlands, yet ghastly cruelty and jealousies lurk behind the beauty. Moira Gunn fights for her life and escapes, leaving behind her beloved home and identity as only daughter of the laird of the Gunn clan. She bears the scars proving treachery exists even within one's own castle walls.
Evan Sinclair is the second son of the laird of the powerful Sinclair clan, a position that renders him virtually invisible in the shadow of his older brother. When suspicion surround an invitation from the lady of the Gunn clan, Evan goes to investigate, hoping to protect the Sinclair clan from deceit.
Moira and Evan each have kind hearts for the less fortunate and discover the strength within themselves as they fight to reveal the treachery that lurks with the castle Gunn.
Stepping Into The Light is the first book of the Within The Castle Gates series. I can't wait for the next book.
The author has done a great job in taking her first book into the historical romance genre. This was a beautiful and very touching story about the Sinclair, Gunn and Sutherland clans. In particular, the reader is introduced to Evan, the second son of clan Sinclair, and Moira, the daughter of the deceased Laird Gunn. This book is surrounded in the faith these two learned at early ages, despite what has happened to their lives while growing up. A very clean and sweet story that I would definitely recommend. I did receive an ARC copy of this book. I have chosen to write this voluntary and honest review with my own personal thoughts and opinions. Vicki from Wyoming
Five years ago, Moira, daughter of the Gunn clan's leader, was attacked on the orders of her stepmother, and injured so badly that she was thought dead. Rescued and nursed back to health by an older couple, she has spent the intervening years in hiding, taking on a new name and identity, and doing her best to hide her hideous scars. Now, there are plans for marriage alliance with a powerful neighbouring clan, but rumours are starting to go around that the beautiful women and girls collecting at the castle for the purpose are being sabotaged, so that the only woman who will be available will be the very woman who attempted to have Moira murdered. A chance encounter brings Moira face to face with the man who had been employed to murder her, and she knows that she is no longer safe. But as daughter of the former leader, does she not have some responsibility to her people? Will Moira choose to hide in the dark, or to step into the light?
I've read and enjoyed other books by the author, but this was a complete change from her usual genre. Happily, her good writing and interesting plots have carried across, and I enjoyed this just as much as her others, though it is possibly aimed at a somewhat different audience (fans of historical rather than contemporary fiction). Clean in content and language, this book is suitable for a range of ages, being generally on the light side of historical fiction/romance. I particularly enjoyed Evan's gradual acceptance by his father - though the idea that anyone could treat a son as he was initially is horrible, and I'd like to think unrealistic. The message of needing to stand up for things, regardless of the cost, was also done well. All in all, a good read. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
How can a serving wench and a friar stand against evil? My rating is 4.5 stars
Evan was the unwanted second son. Forgotten. Neglected.
Maggie hid behind her hair, knowing that the scar that traveled from her neck to her cheek was repulsive. She had seen that message in the faces of everyone she came into contact with.
How sweet Evan was to look past the scars into the woman Maggie was becoming. His encouragement that her that scars were a sign that she had survived was so encouraging. Scars are not a sign of failure. They are a sign of overcoming!
This is the author’s first foray into the world of historical fiction. She wrote a great touching, romantic and inspirational story. Loosely basing the work on the story of Snow White, she balances following the overall storyline of that tale and making the story her own. It was not so much a copy that as I read I thought “oh, and then this is going to happen in just this way”. It was a creative re-telling that was interesting and very well done.
I really liked the way Scottish dialect was integrated into the entire narrative and not just the dialog. Yet it wasn’t overdone, so it was not hard to read. Instead, it gave a lyrical sense overall.
This is a great start to a new series. If you enjoy medieval romance, be sure to pick this one up.
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let go until I turned the last page. Wow! I loved following the two main characters and seeing how they dealt with their "weaknesses." Moira was a young lass when the story started out, but she showed a strength of character throughout the book. Despite all the tragedies that Moira went through, she continued to have a compassionate heart and always put others before herself. Evan was born a second son and fought with feelings of inadequacies and being invisible to his family. I enjoyed watching Moira and Evan's friendship grow in the story. I recommend to those that struggle with low self esteem and those that love medieval romance. I received a copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Moria (Gunn) & Evan (Sinclair) are both "unloved" and think they are unlovable. I loved them individually and as a couple. I like historical fiction but I LOVED this book and can't wait for book 2!!!! There is romance but also suspense, intrigue, historical info, and a plan to find the "real" villain. A sweet, clean, romantic read with a strong Christian emphasis.
4 1/2 Stars for Stepping into the Light (Within the Castle Gales) by Candee Fick! I really enjoyed the fairy tale story. Danger, suspense, romance and a true hero and a maiden needing to be rescued. And it takes place in Scottish Highlands. Learning to overcome and do the right thing. Can't wait to read the next book in this new series and a new genre for Candee Fick.
I received this book from Candee Fick and all opinions are my own.
Action/adventure set in the Scottish Highlands during the 1400's, filled with jealousy, deceit, cruelty, and murder. It is also filled with looking deeper than physical appearance to see true beauty, courage, and sacrifice and most of all God's love and guidance.
This book was definitely on the shorter side—I would probably call it a novella. Despite the fast pacing, there was no insta love, which I appreciated. Moira and Evan were intelligent, resourceful, and believable characters who helped, saved, and cared for each other. Thankfully, there was no dreaded miscommunication trope even though both were hiding their identities. I’m a sucker for Historical Scottish romances so I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed Moira and Evan’s story. It was suspenseful and sweet, full of danger and romance, too. The characters and their struggles felt real and their faith did, too. I definitely recommend this book!
A beautiful novella set in 1412 Scotland packed with the elements of a fairy-tale. A mistreated daughter, a second son, and an evil step-mother. I have book two ready to read.
This book left me wanting more. In a very, very good way.
This is the first historical novel I've read by Candee Fick and I am now a fan. So much good in this book. So much beauty, action, romantic tension, adventure. I loved these characters!
One thing I truly enjoyed was the depth of historical context and language used in this novel. Set in the Scottish highlands, she truly allowed that to take over the novel and frequently made use of Scottish lingo. It gave the story depth and personality and a unique voice. It gave the characters authenticity. It brought you deep into the land of Scotland; the forests, the rivers, the castles, the villages. It helped paint a vivid picture of that era.
I love a good broken character. The scars both physical and internal that these characters carried gave them depth and beauty. I enjoyed watching them grow. This beautiful princess-turned-peasant-in-disguise had been so broken down, yet she still displayed the strength and maturity of a noble woman. It took the maturity and honesty of another clan's man to show her who she really was.
I also loved that both clans held such a deeply-rooted respect for the faith of God. It played a major role throughout the story in many ways, and I appreciated that.
This story is full of action, romance, adventure, all with the Scottish Highlands as backdrop. If you enjoy historical romance, you'll love this novel. It's a fabulous introduction to a brand new series. I can't wait for more.
This is a brilliant tale of courage - courage to stand up for what's right, courage to defend the weak, and courage to look past the scars on the outside to see the beauty on the inside.
At first, I thought the author had taken inspiration from a fairy tale such as Snow White, and maybe she did, but this is so much more than a simple fairy tale.
Moira lives in hiding under an assumed name. Because of her scar, she usually keeps her hair down to cover it. But, then a young man, dressed as a friar, sees past the scar. He soon becomes her hero as well as the protector of several other young women, leading them to safety. But, who is this Evan? If he's not a friar, who is he?
Evan Sinclair simply wanted to scout out the locals to make sure his father wasn't walking into a trap. What he learns is much worse. Can he be the man they need him to be? How can he be a hero when his own clan ignores him? The young woman with the scar is the brave one, helping calm and lead the other young girls. But, who is she? She seems more than a simple, small village girl.
I loved this story. So much emotion! I cried, I laughed, I cheered. The romance is gentle and pure. Two kindred spirits connecting.
Romance - PG / kissing Language - PG / clean Violence - Yes. The villain is very wicked! My rating - 5 stars.
I bought Candee Fick's "Within the Castle Gates" series when she had a sale earlier this month, although I've had this book sitting in my Kindle app for months. So I thought I'd read book 1... and I'm so glad I did!
Moira and Evan's story sucked me in from the beginning! Being an enthusiast for Scottish Highland stories (I've read all the Outlander books along with many others), I adjusted to the language and I read this book within a day. 🤫🤣 The 1400s never looked so good. 😝
Moira's journey was fraught with shame and grief, and I ached for that 13yo girl who'd lost her family, her home and her heritage in one foul injustice.
Although Evan still had his family, home and heritage, his invisibility turned it all to nought, and I was saddened each time his mere existence was cheapened.
Both are heroes in my eyes, and I look forward to what Ms Fick has in store next!
I have really enjoyed Candee Fick's contemporary novels, and I was so excited to step into the historical world with this new book. I was very pleased with how quickly I was made comfortable in the setting and plot. Set in the Scottish Highlands in the 15th century, the narration used some of the traditional language as well as the dialog, and it read well that way.
The characters were likable, and grew more so as the story progressed. I loved how Moira and Evan each had to decide to step up, take courage, and make unselfish decisions for the benefit of those to whom they were responsible.
Those with an interest in the Scotland of long ago will especially enjoy this, as well as any historical fiction fan.
I received an e-ARC of this book from the author for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Stepping into the Light is one of those rare gems that blends historical depth, spiritual richness, and emotional storytelling in a way that feels both powerful and personal. Moira is a heroine you instantly root for, flawed, wounded, yet brave, and Evan? Let’s just say he earns his place in the “favorite book heroes” hall of fame.
Candee Fick masterfully paints the Scottish Highlands with such vivid detail, you feel the mist on your skin and the tension in the air. Beyond the romance (which is beautifully done), the story carries a strong message of healing, identity, and trusting God even when the road ahead is dark.
This book deserves more love, more reviews, and definitely more readers. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Within the Castle Gates series!
This story is situated in 1412 at the Scottish Highlands.
I enjoy reading this beautiful story of Moira Gunn (Magui at the Inn). Her father was Laird Angus. Her mother died after giving birth to her second child.
Moira has to survive by herself after her father passing because her stepmother Isla wants her death. She lives a new life as Maggie, under the protection of Graham and Lavena, the Inn keepers.
Now Moira is living by the name Maggie. Nobody knows who she really is because her clan believes she died on the woods.
Isla is trying to make alliances with the Sinclair's clan.
Many adventures and troubles happend to Maggie. All she wants is to be safe and help her father's clan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Scottish Highlands, medieval, danger, bravery! You will love Evan the overlooked younger son of a Scottish laird! Maggie shows brave strength when helping young maidens escape being taken to the castle where danger seems to happen. Maggie is also running from the man who attempted to kill her. Little does Evan know that the eighteen year old Maggie is actually Moira and the rightful heir to Clan Gunn. If you enjoy reading about ancient Scotland, you will want to read Stepping into the Light! I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
This movie starts out tragically with the scarring near death of a young 13-year-old. Years later the story picks up and she meets a friar who shows the true Christian attitude by saving of two young girls. As circumstances throws them together they build a bond in a relationship. I enjoyed the story and the strength the women in the story showed. I enjoyed the compassion that the man Evan and some of the other soldier showed.
Moira and Evan's story contains danger, deceit, disrespect, helping others, hidden agendas, potential clan war, revelations, romance, and an evil stepmother. On Moira's 13th birthday her life is turned upside down then five years later Evan appears and together they work to restore her clan to how it should be and the respect they both deserve. I recommend this intriguing story which truly has good triumphant over evil.
At 13, Moira is viscously attacked and forced to hide out for five years. She is the daughter and only heir of the clan leader who is dying. Her stepmother wants her dead. This is the first book I have read by this author, Candee Fick, and was very pleased with it. It was well written and clean with lots of adventure and romance.
Truly enjoyed this book. It was nice to read a Scottish novel without all the steamy scenes in other authors who write Scottish books. This book moved from scene to scene easily and kept me riveted to the end. I also loved the ending.
An awesome, clean medieval book! Two souls - one overlooked, the other damaged and in hiding. The day they met, is the day things changed for themselves and those they cared for. Very good book!
Completely captivating with a Snow White resemblance blended with the Scottish Highlands. Well paced and a great blend of romance and history. I'm now a Candee fan.