Grace has been living in London with her father following her mother's death. One day, he hits her and she escapes and meets Ned, who works at a theater. Grace finds an outlet for her emotions as a Shakespearean actress. She finds herself caught up in the intrigues and setbacks that mar the path to the stardom she craves so terribly. I really enjoyed learning about the Old Price Riots as Carol M Cain told the story of Ned and Grace. I had never heard of this incident so it was interesting reading about how the people rose up against the increasing ticket prices in the theater replacing one that was destroyed by fire. The theater owners thought that the riots would end after a few days, but they didn't. Cain manages to thread the historical facts of this dramatic episode while showing how the relationship between Ned and Grace progressed from friendship to more. I liked that they weren't instantly in a relationship or attracted to each other. They started off as friends. Ned initially had his sights set on a friend of Grace's, Olympia. In many ways, I thought Olympia was a dynamic character and, at times, struggled with trying to find myself rooting for Grace. I found myself relating to both Ned and Olympia a lot more.

I received a copy of The Muse of Fire from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Grace Johnson has a secret in her past that she does not know about. After the death of her mother she leaves her abusive father and moves out on her own in London, where she ends up working in the theater as a Shakespearean actress. She and young Ned, a street child, work together to survive and thrive in the rough and tumble world of London theater. Together they survive riots over the price of tickets, a fire in the theater, the dangers of a young woman living alone in London. Eventually Grace learns about the secret she didn't know, but has shaped her life in unexpected ways.

The Muse of Fire is a well written interesting book, although I liked The Tower's of Tuscany better. Carol Cram tackles interesting subjects based on historical fact, and places young women into situations that are not typical for women in that time period. I love how her characters surmount tremendous difficulties to reach what they seek.

Set in 1800s London, this tells the story of Grace, who wishes to become an actress on the London stage. With many things against her, she must depend on friends and acquaintances to give her the support she needs. Well written and sympathetic, an enjoyable read.

Grace bolts from her London home late one night after her father comes home drunk and hits her. Still blaming Grace for her mother's death, Grace has become the unwilling scapegoat. However, the streets of 1800's London are not a friendly place for a lady at night. Grace is found by Ned, a stage manager at the nearby Theatre Royale. Ned graciously helps Grace recover over the next few days. During their stay together, Grace tells Ned of her interest in the theatre and how she and her mother would recite lines. Ned allows Grace to sit backstage and watch a performance before she must leave and face her father once more. Before Grace goes, an opportunity arises for Grace to be in the Chorus of a show. Grace falls in love with the theatre and finds the strength to part from her father's household. Upon hearing the news, Grace's father writes her out of his will. Soon, with help from Ned, Grace finds her place among the acting troupe. Although, just as Grace begins to rise, the theatre burns down and when it is rebuilt and hike in prices results in a riot at theatre every night. As Grace and Ned deal with the Old Price riots, they also uncover a mystery dealing with Grace's mother and Aunt.

The Muse of Fire transported me directly to London's Theatre scene in the early 1800's. I was taken with the historical detail, I had never heard of the Old Price Riots and were surprised to learn that they were very real and just as comprehensive as described. I also enjoyed that some of the actors, actresses and directors were also taken from history. The thoroughness in describing how backstage operations at the theatre worked was entertaining as well, from costuming to props, fly rigs and makeup, to orchestras and prompters the liveliness and excitement of live theatre is revealed. Grace and Ned's characters were complete and well thought out. Both had interesting histories and good backbone. From the beginning I wondered what their relationship to one another would be and I was pleased to see how they ended up. I loved Grace's direct nature and willingness to endure. Ned is exceedingly kind and able to use his wit to his advantage. The mystery and drama created by Grace's Aunt, Father and cousin Percival was exciting and unexpected, creating just as much drama as the stage. Overall, another rich and exhilarating historical fiction from Carol M. Cram.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Actions speak louder than words. From the moment Grace enters the scene, I'm hooked. She pulls me right in and leads the way. This fierce little lady accidentally lands herself a job she could never have imagined. The start of a delightful adventure. Then bad luck strikes. London 1809, rowdy crowds and smelly people. Theatreland transforms into a scene of Shakespearean beauty with nightly fights lasting many weeks. Will this city still be Grace's place of dreams?
Muse of Fire is a well written fast paced read with a constant flow of indepth characters. It also tells the story of the Old Price Riots which, having lived in London for many years and visiting the theatres frequently, I knew nothing about. Live and learn, that's what's so great about historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Kindle Press for the ARC.