A review by paiges_on_pages
The Phoenix Bride by Natasha Siegel

emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

In Natasha Siegel's "The Phoenix Bride," readers are transported to the gritty streets of 17th-century London, a city still reeling from the devastation of the plague. Amidst the chaos, we meet Cecilia Thorowgood, a young widow trapped in her sister's suffocating mansion, her grief a palpable force. Enter David Mendes, a Jewish physician with a past as turbulent as the times he lives in. Their forbidden love story unfolds against the backdrop of impending disaster, with the Great Fire of London looming on the horizon.

While the plot occasionally feels stagnant, Siegel's meticulous attention to historical detail and her portrayal of characters grappling with prejudice and personal demons make for a compelling read. What sets "The Phoenix Bride" apart is its representation; Siegel deftly explores themes of identity and love, offering a refreshing perspective with Jewish and bisexual representation. 

This book is great for anyone craving a slice of history intertwined with a heartfelt romance.