Lady of the Night is one of those reads that contains good ingredients but never manages to transform them into something special. I read it in one sitting, but I did sigh from time to time, ever hoping it would make a last minute turnaround.

Katharina Ferguson is visiting haunted castles in England when she finds herself transported back to the 17th Century and is taken for a spy by Kane, Lord of Sedgewick Castle. He is involved in restoring Prince Charles to the throne, as well as keeping an ugly family secret hidden. Kane quickly comes to trust Katharina, but fears that she will be burnt as a witch for displaying ungodly knowledge. Katharina is just as quick to unravel not only his family secrets, but also the defenses of his heart.

As a couple, Kane and Katharina are difficult to relate to. Kane’s concern about his family rings true, but his easy acceptance of Katharina’s strangeness and his lack of concern about the political situation plaguing England during this period sounds more suited to a hero from a 1990’s series romance. Katharina’s great empathy for all those who suffer is only matched by her dangerous disregard for the sensibilities of the time. When they are together, they make the reader wonder what century they are really supposed to be in.

Kane’s brother, Richard, is a nice character, and so is his ladylove. They are too good to be true, but they do fill their function. The purpose for Cousin John and Katharina’s Aunt Sidney pose more of a question. The relationship should either have been developed further, or simply left out altogether. Having three star-crossed couples in one novel felt somewhat excessive.

I hoped against accumulating proof that the read would soar towards the end. I felt for Richard’s plight and wondered how the past and the present would prove to be linked. Unfortunately, the various parts never seemed to merge before my eyes. There were threads left dangling around all three couples, and I have reservations about the happily-ever-after relationship of at least two of the couples. If you like time travels, there are plenty of alternatives around, and if you expect a peek into the 17th Century, you will be disappointed.