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A Light Within
As the Norman invaders sweep across the English countryside in the year A. D. 1067, one dark Norman takes possession of the Castle Fenlac and all its inhabitants. One of those among the conquered fears the the handsome invader who has entered her life, but Brianna's fears come more from the attraction she feels for Garek than concern over his dominion. She finds herself interceding for his life, and soon Garek must return the favor, binding them closer than either can comprehend. Surrounded by darkness, Garek himself is drawn to the strange English woman who seems to hold within her the Light he has been searching for. Sworn to serve his king, can Garek free himself of his past and find a love greater than he has ever known?
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First published January 1, 1998
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About the author
Darlene Mindrup
39 books17 followersDarlene Mindrup has always had a love of writing and an active imagination. Years of journalism classes and homeschooling her children gave her the tools to make her writing better and more professional (and with a lot less errors). She has a love of history that comes through in her novels, especially Bible history and World War II.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 1, 2010
This book is from the Heartsong Presents historical series, sweet historical romances in various settings with an inspirational theme. This particular book is set in England in the aftermath of the Norman conquest.
It is 1067 and William the Conqueror and his Norman forces have invaded and conquered England, and William is now the new king. Brianna, a young Englishwoman, does not care who is king, she simply wants an end to all the fighting and killing. At twenty-six, she has given up hope of love and marriage and spends her days keeping house for her older brother, who is very cruel to her. Garek du Mor, a young Norman knight, has been given the manor where Brianna lives by King William. After Brianna prevents her brother from killing Garek, she is taken to the manor castle by Garek for her protection. Garek is troubled by his past and longs for forgiveness and redemption. Haunted by nightmares, he seems to be able to find peace only with Brianna. Meanwhile, Brianna, against her better judgement, finds herself developing feelings for Garek. But King William has arranged a political marriage for Garek and is determined that it will happen. How can Garek and Brianna ever be together?
I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance. I love the Medieval era, so I absolutely loved the historical setting of this book. The romance was well done, even in such a short book, and I came to care about the characters and really wanted them to be together. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet romances and Medieval settings.
It is 1067 and William the Conqueror and his Norman forces have invaded and conquered England, and William is now the new king. Brianna, a young Englishwoman, does not care who is king, she simply wants an end to all the fighting and killing. At twenty-six, she has given up hope of love and marriage and spends her days keeping house for her older brother, who is very cruel to her. Garek du Mor, a young Norman knight, has been given the manor where Brianna lives by King William. After Brianna prevents her brother from killing Garek, she is taken to the manor castle by Garek for her protection. Garek is troubled by his past and longs for forgiveness and redemption. Haunted by nightmares, he seems to be able to find peace only with Brianna. Meanwhile, Brianna, against her better judgement, finds herself developing feelings for Garek. But King William has arranged a political marriage for Garek and is determined that it will happen. How can Garek and Brianna ever be together?
I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance. I love the Medieval era, so I absolutely loved the historical setting of this book. The romance was well done, even in such a short book, and I came to care about the characters and really wanted them to be together. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet romances and Medieval settings.
May 6, 2025
I enjoy Darlene Mindrup's books because she does a great job of writing Christians in a historical setting. They are imperfect and have flaws, but they are also trying. I hope to read more by this author.
October 3, 2014
Reading a Darlene Mindrup book is like returning to my teenage years, at once charming yet bittersweet. The book I once loved so dearly now pales a little in comparison to authors I have experienced since the last time I read Mindrup's work. A lot can change in 12 years, my perspective for one thing.
A Light Within is still a charming read, but I'm less inclined now to read books that preach too much, and preaching is one thing Ms. Mindrup's work excels at. Brianna, the heroine for the this medieval novel, is quite the faithful little Christian and manages to speak of God in nearly every sentence, a tendency that began annoying me halfway through. But that is more me than anything else. For women who want a light Christian read that speaks the gospel very forcefully, Ms. Mindrup's work will be a good fit. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just fascinating to see how my interests have changed since the last time I read the book. Still love Christian fiction, but of a different sort now.
I read A Light Within for a scattergories competition, needing a female lead with B in the name. Brianna fits the bill, as it were.
A Light Within is still a charming read, but I'm less inclined now to read books that preach too much, and preaching is one thing Ms. Mindrup's work excels at. Brianna, the heroine for the this medieval novel, is quite the faithful little Christian and manages to speak of God in nearly every sentence, a tendency that began annoying me halfway through. But that is more me than anything else. For women who want a light Christian read that speaks the gospel very forcefully, Ms. Mindrup's work will be a good fit. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just fascinating to see how my interests have changed since the last time I read the book. Still love Christian fiction, but of a different sort now.
I read A Light Within for a scattergories competition, needing a female lead with B in the name. Brianna fits the bill, as it were.
December 28, 2013
I really like this story! It's a fast read. I couldn't put the book down; and I hope to read more by this author.
February 9, 2015
Definitely an era where I can't imagine myself living into. But it's a softy read. I appreciate Brianna's light within. :)
July 29, 2011
Fluff reading on the beach, what can I say?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews