I love medieval romances. A great medieval romance combines interesting historical details with a compelling romance. Since I struggled with By Starlight for over two weeks, I’d say it fell far short of great. While the author did her historical homework (for the most part), her characters drove me crazy. By the time I was finished, I could barely tolerate the hero and the heroine.

Merry of Heathersgill, aka Sister Mary Grace, is about to be burned at the stake by a power-hungry Prioress, Agnes, who believes Merry is a witch. It doesn’t help Merry’s case that she poisoned Agnes to teach her a lesson after whipping a novice to death.

Sir Luke le Noir, a favored captain in Prince Henry’s army, is desperately trying to reach his home of Arundel where his grandfather is very ill. Luke was born a bastard in Jerusalem and when his father died, his mother was cast out of her home for tainting the bloodlines. Luke survived by begging and stealing for them both until rescued by his grandfather His most cherished dream is to oversee Arundel, but as a bastard, English law prevents his inheriting the property. However, a marriage to the king’s cousin will allow any offspring to inherit his beloved home.

Luke and his men seek rest at the priory, but are turned away by Agnes. Since it is very unusual to be denied sanctuary, Luke climbs the wall and discovers Merry about to be burned. He rescues her, and spends the rest of the book regretting his decision.

Merry is an excellent healer, but this is offset by her childish attitude. She wonders why everyone believes her a witch, but her own behavior is a large part of the reason. She punishes those among Luke’s men who look askance at her or behave rudely toward her by putting herbs in their food or drink. Since people tend to become mysteriously ill around her, it’s no surprise they mutter about her. The author also decided to have a precocious black cat follow her around everywhere, even on a horse. No cat I’ve ever known would love me enough to jump up on a horse to follow me!

Luke is no better. Although he initially seemed noble and heroic, once he falls for Merry he determines that she has bewitched him. Certainly he cannot not fall in love on his own terms since he must marry his betrothed to be given Arundel. But once they share a bed he treats Mercy abominably, humiliating her, refusing to speak to her, and otherwise ignoring her – he is not my idea of a hero.

Merry and Luke spend most of the book running from one calamity involving Merry to another. Even after it seems their relationship will end happily, a newly crowned King Henry tries to foil their happy ending. Every character surrounding Merry and Luke is a caricature. Prioress Agnes was so evil I’m surprised she didn’t internally combust; ditto for Luke’s betrothed, Amalie. Merry’s sister and husband reappear from this author’s debut novel (Danger’s Promise), but serve very little purpose here.

Although the historical research was strong throughout most of By Starlight, backdrops do not make good read. For that you need good characters and an interesting plot. I’m pleased to have learned that an adulterine is a stronghold built without royal permission, but I’d gladly have foregone this knowledge and saved myself several hours of annoyance and frustration with Merry and Luke.