Lisa Barr Knihy

A thrilling tale of secrets, love, and sacrifice, Woman on Fire tells the story of a remarkable woman and an exquisite work of art that burns bright, moving through hands, hearts, and history.

An enthralling tale unfolds around a legendary Hollywood screen goddess with a haunting secret from her past in the Warsaw Ghetto. When her life is threatened by someone from her history, she must leverage her skills to safeguard herself, her career, and her loved ones. In 2005 Los Angeles, Sienna Hayes, Hollywood’s latest sensation, aspires to direct and sees an opportunity with the enigmatic Lena Browning, a famous Golden Age actress. However, Lena's shadowy past is darker than Sienna anticipated. Once known as Bina Blonski, a Polish Jew, Lena's life was shattered by the Nazis. In 1943 Warsaw, Bina and her husband, Jakub, are trapped in the cramped ghetto with the remaining Jewish population. Determined to resist the Nazis, Bina becomes a spy, gathering intelligence and weapons to protect her community. Complications arise when she falls for Aleksander, Jakub's brother and a fellow resistance fighter. As Lena navigates her newfound fame in Hollywood, memories of her past haunt her, fueling a desire for vengeance against those who evaded justice after the war. This gripping narrative weaves together themes of heroism, sacrifice, and a relentless quest for justice, filled with secrets and unexpected twists, showcasing a personal war that endures long after the battle has ended.

Set against the backdrop of a major scandal involving a dating site, the story follows Sophie Bloom as she grapples with her husband's infidelity. Fleeing to Paris to support her daughter through a breakup, Sophie embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Immersed in the vibrant artist community of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, she reconnects with her artistic passions and embraces her own desires. This transformative experience allows her to reclaim her identity and explore the joys of life, love, and creativity after years of sacrifice.