The Muse of Fire — Carol M. Cram

Based on real events, The Muse of Fire takes readers behind the scenes of London's massive Theatre Royal, Covent Garden at the dawn of the 19th Century. The intrigue, romance, and betrayal swirling around the actors offstage rivals anything they must perform onstage.

After the death of her mother, Grace Johnson follows her abusive father to London and discovers a passion for the stage. But she must fight against social norms to find her place as a Shakespearean actress in the fraught world of early 19th Century theater.

Aided by Ned, a foundling who takes charge backstage at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, Grace becomes ensnared by intrigues and setbacks that mar the pathway to stardom she craves.

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Old Price Riots of 1809, Grace and Ned find common purpose in a quest that threatens to tear both their worlds apart.