Love's Eternal Light

The years after the Norman invasion of England were filled with strife and hardship yet through it all a couple’s love for each other shines like a light through the years. Illiata, a Saxon maiden, awakens to the sound of Norman soldiers attacking her village in the year 1074.

By strength of will and determination to survive, she escapes the marauding soldier’s clutches. In doing so, she is seen framed by flickering torch light against the night sky by Renée, a Norman Lord’s son. Unfortunately, Renée is powerless at that time to stop the soldier’s rampage and does his best to stay out of the way while trying not to give Illiata away to the soldiers.

Illiata sees the young Lord at the same moment and from that time on; their lives are inextricably intertwined forever. The day after the attack, Illiata and her father bury her mother and young brother and attempt to organize what is left of his workshop and their home.

A little later as she sites on the front step creating a lace shawl, the wife of the Norman Lord sees her work and is quite impressed. So much so she purchases a completed shawl and discusses the possibility of Illiata joining her household as a seamstress. However the Lady is Renée’s mother and the appointment enables the two of them to spend some time getting to know one another.

Unfortunately, his mother sees the possibilities and disapproves leading to many unfortunate adventures for Illiata. But Renée is not able to help Illiata as he is attempting to prove himself to his father, the Lord. This approach results in Renée being sent to Normandy to oversee family lands leaving Illiata to fend for herself.

Does Illiata re-connect with Renée? Or will they be separated for the rest of their lives?