The Phoenix Bride - by Natasha Siegel (Paperback)

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 The Phoenix Bride by Natasha Siegel ༘Spoiler free ༘ ⭐️4.5/5 Historical Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction Dual POV ➳ Forbidden Love ➳ Slow Burn ➳ Seventeenth Century England ➳ Grief ➳ LGBTQIA+ Representation ✨ “If only we could stay here always, you and I, and pretend the earth is no longer turning.“ ✨ In 'The Phoenix Bride', amidst the remnants of London's devastating plague, a tale of forbidden love, resilience, and unyielding human strength takes flight. Cecilia, a young widow consumed by grief, encounters David, a foreign healer, as the looming shadow of the Great Fire of London descends. Their romance faces societal barriers and imminent catastrophe, yet their unwavering pursuit of each other amid chaos unveils the beauty of a love powerful enough to endure and transcend trials and tribulations. 📚📚📚 In the wake of the devastating 1665 plague in London, the story unfurls around Cecilia Thorowgood, a young widow cloistered in her sister’s home, ensnared by unyielding grief. To aid her, her sister engages the services of David Mendes, a foreign physician with unconventional methods. David, a Jewish immigrant seeking refuge, grapples with personal loss and religious dilemmas. As Cecilia and David navigate their emotional maelstroms, a clandestine love burgeons between them. Yet, their affection faces a number of challenges—prejudice, individual heartaches, and the looming shadow of the impending Great Fire of London. Amidst societal biases and personal struggles, the two defy the odds, determined to fight for their love in the face of the catastrophic event. Against a backdrop of plague, fire, and societal divisions, the narrative weaves a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the wholehearted unwavering devotion, showcasing the capacity to endure even amid overwhelming trials and tribulations. ❧✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:❦:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧❧ ✨ I fell in love with this book from the the book delves into societal prejudices, personal desires, and the tension between individual passions and societal norms, making it a compelling and immersive read within the historical romance fiction genre. ✨the character arcs in "The Phoenix Bride" were rich and multi-layered, drawing me into the intricate lives and internal struggles of the characters. The evolution of Cecilia, David, Sam, and Jan’s growth, conflicts, and relationships seem to intertwine in a way that shapes their individual journeys, showcasing the depth of their emotions, desires, and internal conflicts. The unexpected connections, hidden intentions, and societal pressures contribute to the complexities of their personal transformations. The relationships, felt deep and authentic. ✨ the core themes in "The Phoenix Bride" focus on the resilience of love amidst societal expectations and personal struggles during a historical period. Throughout the narrative, the story effectively explores the complexities of human connections, hidden motives, and individual desires in the midst of turmoil. The themes of love's challenges, conflicts, and societal norms persistently shape the characters' journeys and interactions. ✨The story was absolutely captivating and enthralling, leaving me deeply engaged with the characters and their journeys. However, as much as I loved it, I found myself yearning for an epilogue or some form of update on where our beloved characters ended up. The resolution was satisfying, yet an additional glimpse or closure on their lives post-events would have been a welcomed extension, providing a bit more closure and insight into their futures. ✨The prose of The Phoenix Bride is vividly descriptive, seamlessly blending emotional depth and historical detail. It eloquently portrays characters' emotions, struggles, and desires against the backdrop of 17th-century London, offering an intimate exploration of love and societal expectations within the historical context. ✨ 10/10 would recommend, i can’t wait to get my hands on this book and to have its beautiful cover and story gracing my shelves! Thank you to Natasha Siegel, Random House Publishing Group, Dell and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.