The Phoenix Bride: A Novel By Natasha Siegel

In the aftermath of England's devastating plague in 1666, Cecilia Thorowgood, a young widow, finds herself imprisoned within her sister's grand London residence, consumed by grief. Her sister, desperate to alleviate Cecilia's sorrow, hires a new physician renowned for his unconventional methods: David Mendes, a Jewish immigrant from Portugal.

David fled his homeland to practice his faith openly in London, but he grapples with his own inner turmoil and past traumas. Despite his efforts to help Cecilia, he realizes her affliction runs deeper than any physical ailment. As Cecilia and David navigate their respective pain and yearnings, they find solace in each other's company, their hearts slowly entwining in a forbidden love.

However, their burgeoning romance faces formidable obstacles. Cecilia's sister and society at large view David with suspicion and prejudice, while the looming threat of the Great Fire of London casts a shadow over their fragile happiness.

Amidst the turmoil of a city grappling with its own demons, Cecilia and David must confront their fears and prejudices, grappling with the complexities of love and identity. As the flames of the impending inferno draw closer, their love becomes both a beacon of hope and a source of heart-wrenching uncertainty.

Against the backdrop of London's seventeenth-century landscape, plagued by disease, prejudice, and impending disaster, "The Phoenix Bride" weaves a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Cecilia and David's journey is a testament to the power of love to transcend barriers, even in the face of insurmountable challenges. 📚❤️