Stars: 2.5/5 (rounded up to 3)

Tropes and what to expect:
- Dual POV
- Slow burn romance
- forbidden romance
- queer representation
- historical fiction

Among other triggers this book does contain on page spouse death.

Overall I thought this was an interesting book. However, it didn't grab me as I had hoped it would and it took me some time to get through, despite it being quite short. The Phoenix Bride feels to me more of a focus on grief than on romance, and I had been expecting a more romantic book when I started reading. As a general historical fiction book, I do think it is quite beautiful and unique.

The writing style that Natasha used in The Phoenix Bride is poetic. I had a bit of trouble with it, personally. I do think this could be someone's absolute favorite style, as I am often drawn to unique writing. Unfortunately it did not quite click like I was hoping it would. It felt poetic to the point of ambiguity at times, in a way that made for a less enjoyable read. I found myself wishing that things were more clearly explained without so much flowery prose.

I liked our main characters but I did not find them very unique, more so the FMC than the MMC. Nothing about Cecilia is going to stick with me long term . However, I did like David, and I felt that he was a more well fleshed out and clear character.

Thank you to Natasha Siegel and NetGalley for my ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have always loved England. I will try to read anything I can about England when given the opportunity. I do read books from the Victorian or Regency era, but I will read earlier if I find a book I like. The Phoenix Bride definitely fit what I liked, and seeing that it takes place before, during, and after The Great Fire (an event that I have read almost next to nothing about), my interest was caught.

The Phoenix Bride’s storyline centers on Cecilia and David, their backstories, their romance, and The Great Fire (and its aftermath). I found this a well-written, eye-opening book about life in 1666. I did have questions about the end of the book. It was vague, and I couldn’t tell if there was an HEA. But, considering how prejudiced people were, I went for not being an HEA—just an HEA for that moment.

Cecilia was a hot mess when the book started. Her mental health issues were addressed immediately, and you couldn’t help but pity her. She went into a deep depression when her husband died. But, the book didn’t dwell on Cecilia’s mental health for long. Instead, it steamed forward with her falling in love with David and her engagement to Sir Grey. In a world where women were considered property and often were regulated to the background, Cecilia refused to do so. When she wanted something (in this case, it was David), she went after it, no matter the consequences.

I liked David, and he was another one that I felt terrible about. He dealt with antisemitism daily (which would depress me). He also lost the man he loved to the plague and couldn’t talk to anyone about it (remember, being homosexual back in the 17th century could end up with jail time). He had taken over his ailing father’s practice and was busy with patients. I was surprised he agreed to go to Cecilia’s sister’s house. I was also surprised by his reaction to Cecilia. But, mostly, I was saddened by his grief and stress.

I was very interested in the medical aspect of The Phoenix Bride. I knew the basics of how doctors dealt with the plague back then (plague doctor masks filled with scented flowers), but I never knew what a doctor did on a day-to-day basis (besides bloodletting and leeches). Reading about the different herbs and flowers used to help with different afflictions was interesting. I wish the author had spent more time on that in the book.

Also, what was interesting to me in the book was how doctors treat mental illness and neurodivergent people. Bloodletting was very popular. Cecilia was also confined to a courtyard and her room, was not allowed to exercise, and didn’t visit anyone. It was a little disturbing how she was viewed and treated. Sir Grey was treated similarly (I think he had ADHD or maybe autism, but I am not sure).

I was also interested in how the homosexual community was treated back then. It seemed to me (even though it was technically illegal..the sodomy laws were enacted in 1533) that most people were accepting of the molly houses, and the police did periodic sweeps to appease the government. It seemed like people were accepting in the book. But, even with that, David and Jan (and maybe Sir Grey) had to keep their sexuality very quiet or risk being put in jail or to death.

The Great Fire of London was also incorporated into the plotline during the last half of the book. Only a few details about how it started were given, but there was speculation. I was surprised by how the upper class reacted to the fire. They were on barges watching London burn and people trying to escape. It seemed weird, but I could see why people did it. The author also detailed the aftermath of the fire from David’s POV. He escaped with his life but lost everything.

The romance between Cecilia and David did seem a little forced in spots. I know I am cynical, but I don’t believe in falling in love in only a week (or, in this case, a couple of days). But, even with it feeling forced, I did like their chemistry and how they interacted.

The end of The Phoenix Bride was good, but it was a little vague. I liked that Cecilia and David finally got back together (after being apart for a year). But I read that last chapter, and I couldn’t figure out if they were together with Sir Grey’s blessing or going behind his back. That’s why I mentioned it might be a HEA for now instead of forever.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Dell, NetGalley, and Natasha Siegel for allowing me to read and review this ARC of The Phoenix Bride. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

I don't really know my thoughts on this book. I liked it but a lot was happening. I think I needed more of a conclusion to the story. I need to know if they are actually able to live a happy life together after that. What happens to her husband? Does he get with Jan? I just need more.

I received an arc through netgalley.

The Phoenix Bride is a beautiful story of faith, and what it means to love through grief. Set in the 1600's, Cecilia is reeling from the death of her true love. Her sister hires a jewish physician to aid in the melancholy she's experiencing. Slowly, they begin to form a friendship built on trust and a mutual understanding of loss. Religious prejudice drive them apart, only to reunite as the city burns around them.

The Phoenix Bride is rich in historical facts, and forbidden love during a captivating time in Britian. Siegal's novel is a unique, haunting love story. In the authors notes, she expertly explains jewish history in England, and how for nearly 400 years they were driven from the country.

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell

Thank you NetGalley and Dell for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5!

It is 1666 and Cecilia Thorowgood is a widow, forced to reside in her sister’s London townhouse as she is poked and prodded at by doctors after her husband died during the plague. With no signs of improvement, her sister hires a new doctor, David, a Jewish man who has only recently arrived in England after fleeing Portugal.

I loved Siegel’s first novel, and I was excited for this one, but it ultimately fell a little bit flat for me. I love Siegel’s writing (her prose is so gorgeous!!) and I think she writes excellent tension, and I do like her slightly alternate histories. Post-plague, pre-Great Fire London was also an interesting spot in history to set a book, and I enjoyed the setting. Siegel does such a good job with tone, and at no point did this feel anachronistic.

The Phoenix Bride also focuses heavily on grief, loss, and religion, and I do think they were done well. Cecilia and David’s relationship was sweet, and I do love how Siegel’s worlds feel “lived in,” so to speak. Still, for some reason I didn’t connect with the characters the same way that I did with Solomon’s Crown. Their character arcs were interesting and the things Siegel wanted to explore (like social prejudice) were solid, they just didn’t take up residence in my brain like I’d been expecting them to. Despite the fact this wasn’t a homerun, I do think I’ll come back to it and hopefully feel a little different, and I definitely recommend.

Excuse me as I swoon. Bisexual physician lead and incredibly depressed "rotting" widow? SIGN ME UP

I love when novels whisk me back in time to another era, when things were so similar yet so different. The Phoenix Bride is set in 1666 in the aftermath of a plague, one that stole loved ones from both of our main characters. Cecilia Thorowgood lost her husband after a short but happy marriage; she’s been unable to move on from her grief, physically or emotionally. This is why her sister brings in a physician named David Mendes. He’s not the first doctor to see Cecilia, but he is her last hope at this point. David, too, understands grief all too well, and he takes an alternative approach to healing Cecilia.

Although there is a strong element of romance here, the novel really does start off with both characters in a bad place, perhaps more obviously so with Cecilia. The Phoenix Bride doesn’t shy away from showing grief and how that can impact a person. From Cecilia’s inability to eat to her suicidal ideation, it can be pretty dark. Emotionally, she’s chaotic and at times reckless, but it’s largely meant to cover up her intense melancholy.

Both Cecilia and David face significant limitations, if for different reasons. Cecilia is a woman in the 17th century, dependent on her married sister and on the financial stability that marrying again would provide her. David is a Jew from Portugal, facing discrimination both for his religion and for his nation of origin. And given their differences, it would be nearly impossibly for David and Cecilia to give in to their mutual attraction and develop a life together.

Many obstacles are in the way of a romantic relationship for the two. First of all, Cecilia is being pushed to marry another man, mainly to provide security to herself and to her sister. Family gets in the way, including more loss, only compounding the uphill battle they already face. But could a devastating fire in London push them together or drive them further apart?

There are many things I enjoyed about The Phoenix Bride, from its lyrical writing and historical setting to the way both main characters are shown. There is some LGBTQ representation, discussions around differing religions, and insight into 17th century medical practices. I also appreciated several of the supporting cast, especially one person I didn’t think I’d like at all. The book sometimes felt too detached or like it wasn’t moving forward the way I’d hoped, but it was still a thoughtful and interesting read.

Overall, I liked The Phoenix Bride for its characters and many themes, even if it left me wanting a bit more by the end. This is Natasha Siegel’s second novel, and I am eager to go back and read her previous book, Solomon’s Crown, which I have on my bookshelf now.

This novel was inventive and interesting, and I was greatly interested to read the author's sophomore novel -- as a very much enjoyed Solomon's Crown. However, I found our protagonist less captivating than I was hoping for, and the foreign doctor to be far more interesting as a character. I particularly enjoyed how the doctor was torn between focusing on his own rational survival in a new land, and his feelings for his patient. I think this would be a worthy read for any book club, or fan of historical fiction. Natasha Siegel will surely provide additional exceptional work on innovative historical fiction in the future, recommended.

I think this book just wasn't for me. I could clearly see the ingredients of a good book, and the reasons people might love it, while I was reading but none of it really made me grow attached. I struggled to feel the characters emotions and that left me not really feeling anything for them

This book was beautiful. I loved Natasha Seigel’s first novel, Solomon’s Crown, and I loved this one just as much if not more.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this so much. It’s a historical romance but I think it’s more literary fiction than romance. The romance is important to the plot but it deals with different kinds of love and relationships; those between friends, family, and romantic love.

The setting is London in the 1600s and there is a lot going on. We start with the bubonic plague and end with The Great Fire of London. The author describes the city and the time period with so much detail. I felt like I was right there with the characters.

This is sort of a forbidden love plot but the heartbreaking kind. Cecilia and David fall in love after both of them have dealt with the loss of a husband and a best friend, respectively. But Cecilia is a gentlewoman of standing but no means and David is a Jewish physician. There are so many societal obstacles to their love and we get to ride the rollercoaster with them.

I am so impressed that this author has created two beautiful historical romances. I cannot wait to see what’s next for her.

"The Phoenix Bride" by Natasha Siegel is a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of a vibrant fantasy world. Seamlessly blending elements of romance, magic, and adventure, Siegel crafts a captivating narrative that will keep readers enthralled from beginning to end.

At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Cecilia , a young woman with a fiery spirit and a heart full of longing. As she navigates the complexities of her world, Cecilia journey is as much internal as it is external, as she grapples with her own desires, fears, and insecurities.

Siegel's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of the lush landscapes and majestic cities that populate Cecilia world. The bustling streets of the capital setting feels richly detailed and immersive, inviting readers to lose themselves in the magic of the story.

Overall, "The Phoenix Bride" is a spellbinding tale that will enchant readers with its vivid imagery, compelling characters, and heartfelt themes. Natasha Siegel has crafted a truly immersive world that readers will be reluctant to leave, making this book a must-read for fans of historical romance.

Two grieving, marginalized people in England find one another and ultimately figure out their happily-ever-after. The historical detail is nice, as is the always-welcome treatment of the history of Jews in England and queer culture, but I didn't end up caring a whole lot about the characters.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Natasha Siegel for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Phoenix Bride coming out March 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoy the time period. I actually just finished another book called 1666 that takes place in another place in the world. So it was interesting to see how things played out after the plague. I loved the world building and slow burn in the first half of the book. The second half was a little too much “will they, won’t they?” I didn’t understand some of the unnecessary separation. I guess it was mainly because they were from different cultures, but it felt like Cecilia had a lot of freedoms as a widow that regular women wouldn’t have during the time. I really loved David’s character and the trials he faced as a foreigner and because of his religion. Overall, I loved the story and will definitely check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys 1600s historical fiction!

Tropes: Queer Representation (more than one LGBTQ+ character); Historical (17th century England); Forbidden Romance (physician and patient, but they don’t become familiar until he stops being her physician); Interfaith Couple (Christian and Jewish); Forced Proximity (for the time period); Yearning and Pining like Pine Trees. (Fated mates is also listed as a trope but since there’s no magical element to this story I’m leaving it off).

Sometimes you get interested in a book due to Shiny Cover Syndrome and it works out great!

The Phoenix Bride was a lyrical, engrossing, romantic, and lovely book to read on a dreary day like today (where I live, anyway). If you like your historical romances to be full of swoon-worthy moments, pining like evergreen forests, feelings of desperation and helplessness, emotional outpourings, lamentations of “we can’t!”, and that whole vibe of “we rescued each other”, then you’re going to love this book.

There is young love followed by great loss, terrible grief, desperate dealings undertaken by loved ones, tentative and surprising friendships, frightening circumstances and courage under fire, and daring maneuvers for the sake of a chance at happiness.

Does it end happily? Yes. I was happy to have read it, because it made me smile and it was easy to love.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance/LGBTQ Fiction

Happy pub day to The Phoenix Bride! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for this ARC.

First things first, I just adore Seigel’s writing. It enchanted me in Solomon’s Crown, and she did it again here. The worlds she creates and the feelings she evokes with her words are delightful. She genuinely makes the reader feel as if they are living in the time period she is portraying. It’s a testament to how good her writing is that I can’t get enough of it, despite not being the biggest fan of historical fiction.

As for the story itself, it’s a love story, yes, but also a tale about grief and loss, and Seigel balanced all of that beautifully. The characters are richly developed and nuanced, and I felt grateful to be able to join them on their journey of healing.

There is so much pain in this book, and so much joy. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

The Phoenix Bride is out today!

4.5/5

The Phoenix Bride was a wonderful surprise. A historical romance that both intrigued and delighted me. Natasha Siegel was able to bring the 1600s to life as she tells us about the love and loss that Cecelia Thorowgood encountered in her young life. A woman who finds the perfect man in Will, only to lose him after visiting her sister Margaret at her tony home in the heart of London, contracting the dreaded plague. What follows is the long-term grief Cecelia can't seem to shake until she is treated by yet another physician by the name of David Mendes and her life is never the same.

This book is beautifully paced as the subtle chemistry between doctor and patient gives both David and Cecelia a bit of a jump start to their hearts as both are lonely and sullen. David has his own crosses to bear with the loss of his dear friend Manuel and the ongoing health battles of his dear father. His faith is also something that needs to be carefully guarded, his family and friends fleeing Spain because of the restraints of being Jewish, something David continues to struggle with all these years later. I found it very interesting at the careful placement of symbols, traditions and rituals the author presented, using her own knowledge of the Jewish faith respectfully. I could feel David's seemingly constant battle to want to continue to embrace his faith yet fearful he wasn't always worthy. That he turned his back on it for so long, hiding as a Christian with his immediate family while living in Spain, his struggles with what he has thought and felt always right under the surface.

With Cecelia, however, the freedom David feels is something that takes him aback more times than he can count. The way they both dance around each other, crawling out of the dark and gasping at the light that wants to embrace them both, it's quite the revelation that neither ever expected. But there is a unique attraction, one that both know should never be yet how do they resist? Why put a damper on feeling something wonderful after both experiencing deep sadness for way too long? It's a tough situation as they sneak around, with Cecelia worrying her sister seemingly nonstop, but whatever fate had in store for them, I was there for every moment whether joyful or full of despair.

This book gave me an incredible insight into what life was like 400 years ago. Siegel gives us just enough detail that I could envision London and the myriad of characters who lived within its streets. I could smell the herbs David carefully tended to. I could feel the pageantry as wedding parades filled the town square. And I could feel the burgeoning affection Cecelia had for the thoughtful David and hoped beyond hope they could find a way to be together. Despite their differences in class, faith and family, their souls simply found their other half.

Every character is magnificent in their own way. Even Margaret who only wanted what was best for her sister, albeit her showing her concern in stifling ways, was memorable. Jan, Sam, even Katherine the flower pedaler, offered kindness and support when Cecelia's world kept falling apart. Feeling grateful for caring friends who were always there to catch David before he fell and pushing him to finally grab what he so very much deserved.

We're left with a happy-for-now kind of ending and I'm fine with that. Sure, Cecelia and David will continue to face obstacles if they want to be each other's everything but I'm convinced that their love truly will conquer all. If anyone deserves that happily ever after, it's these two and I'm beyond thrilled I got a chance to be by their sides as they fell forever in love with one another.

5 big stars!

There was a lot to love about this book, especially with its simple yet wholesome relationships. I thought the depiction of all of them was done so well, and the story didn’t need a lot of flashy events to convey what it needed to. The way I gravitate towards historical romances needs to be studied, truly.

Starting with what I really liked, which was the characters and their dynamics itself. I mean, David and Cecilia — their relationship was so soft and pure and gentle. Innocent but fiery. It was so Bridgerton vibes with the forbidden trope and I loved the longing they had for each other. Cecilia’s backstory of being married and David helping her through it professionally and then otherwise, was so adorable and their healing process made for a very satisfying read.

I loved how they were always there for each other in the subtle ways throughout the book and constantly fought for each other, even if it was just silently. This builds into Cecilia’s relationship with her sister, Margaret, as well. That relationship was so complex but so real. Margaret, being such a grey character, also brings out the grey in Cecilia herself which is such an interesting dynamic — loved how realistically their conflict was addressed and loosely wrapped up at the end.

Also special mention to Sir Grey — I did not expect that to go the way it did! With his introduction in the book, I was fully convinced he was going to be another one of those typical “obstacles” in David and Cecilia’s journey but he was NOT! And I was living for that.

Aside from these elements that I liked, there were obviously a reason I could not give this a four or five starts with the rating. This is more of a 3.5 on the scale for me, and it’s majorly because I just didn’t connect with the story or characters much until a significant amount into the book. I think I was at around chapter 10 when it finally started to draw me in and it was a fairly quick read after that. I’m not sure why it took so long for the disconnect to fade out, but the story just wasn’t propelling forward fast enough for me to maintain interest.

However, once it hit, it did! The Phoenix Bride is a really good historical romance (my favorite genre) and I’m glad I decided to get it from NetGalley. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and there was a lot to love!

What does a "Happily Ever After" mean to you? Does a nontraditional HEA count? I personally consider this a historical romance that's heavy on the history, but still a romance.⁠
⁠
Without specific spoilers, this is a forbidden romance: Cecilia, a widow from an impoverished noble background, falls for David, a Jewish physician. Cecilia and David are dealing with grief due to the loss of a loved one. Cecilia's husband Will and David's unrequited love, Manuel, both died of the plague during a recent outbreak. Through their relationship, they can begin the healing process. In 1665, their romance is dangerous for both of them. Cecilia's sister is determined to marry her off to another nobleman, Sam, while David is being courted by Manuel's sister. David's business depends on the beneficent eye of the Anglican community: if one of his patients dies, he could lose his livelihood or even his life. ⁠
⁠
David's careful balance of his Jewish heritage, his public persona, and what he sees as his debt to the Jewish community form a fascinating background to the book. Cecilia might come from a relatively privileged family, but her current position of impoverished widow dependent on her sister's charity allows her to sympathize with David's position. This is not a closed door romance, but it's not particularly explicit. And that HEA isn't ambiguous, but it's also not a public acknowledgement of David and Cecilia's relationship and love. I found it satisfying and appropriate, but I could see some readers finding it lacking.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Just when you start to give up on love and happiness, it comes in little waves washing over you as a gentle reminder its beautiful to have love and lost, but to love again. I find the journey David and Cecilia go on to reflect my own in self discovery and overall physical and mental health and quickly grew attached to them like they were my own. I don't normally reread books but this gave me such a reading experience that I know I will pick it up again as I go through my own life and experience future loss and love. A story for generations - a future classic in my own shelf. Thank you Natasha Siegel for such a slice of live and hope through The Phoenix Bride.

The Phoenix Bride is the sophomore novel by Natasha Siegel after her debut, Solomon’s Crown. The story takes place in 1666 after a plague has devastated England. Cecilia Thorowgood is a young widow having trouble dealing with grief, so a Jewish doctor named David Mendes, who fled Portugal to London is tasked with helping her. The story tells of the two slowly learning to trust each other and possibly giving in to romantic feelings with each other. With a dual POV, the reader gets to follow each character on their emotional journey.

Siegal does a great job at portraying each character. As the story switches between the two main characters, it was easy to connect with each and follow along with their journey. Each is going through grief and other emotions in their own ways, and it is great to see how they handle everything. There is a lot of prose in the writing, which adds a nice layer of complexity. There are a lot of topics explored in this story and I think Siegal did a great job with them. The story itself was an enjoyable read with good pacing. I do think the characters could have been explored even more, but they were still well-written. Overall, I enjoyed Siegal’s novel, and I would read another from her in the future.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Dell, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**