Twelfth-century England has become too dangerous for Jews, especially the beautiful Jewish healer, Rebecca Manasses, who has been rescued by Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe from being burned alive as a witch. Rebecca and her father, Isaac, make the difficult decision to flee to Spain where they have relatives.

They settle in Toledo's Jewish quarter, and Rebecca is able to build a thriving practice as a healer. Her reputation reaches the ears of Rachel Esra, known as La Fermosa, the Jewish mistress of Alfonso VIII, the King of Castile and Leon. Rebecca becomes Rachel's healer and friend, and through Rachel, Rebecca meets a handsome Jewish trader who helps her and her family during anti-Jewish riots fomented by the wars raging around them as Alfonso battles to keep control of Castile.

Rebecca of Ivanhoe brings to life a fascinating chapter in medieval Spain and introduces readers to an indomitable, yet vulnerable woman who rises above the restraints of her time to help her family survive during a tumultuous time in medieval Spain as the Moors and Christians battle for control of the country.