A review by shereadstales
Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for the digital galley of this book. 

Merit’s husband is thrilled she wants to return to work after being a stay at home mom and artist with her two sons. And after a failed gallery show, Merit is glad to get an architecture job working for Jane, a bold, no nonsense (and beautiful) wan who Merit admires. The two quickly become friends and then best friends. Maybe even something more? Surely not. Surely preferring Jane’s company to every other person is normal for a friendship. Sure she’s attractive, but is Merit attracted to her? If she explores that question, it may send both of their lives spiraling out of the control of expected trajectories. 

I loved this book. The characterization is phenomenal. I loved both Merit and Jane so much and I just wanted to spend time with them. Friends, lovers, whatever their relationship, I’m here for it. I loved the complexities and layers of the characters and their lives. Everything is intertwined as we build out lives as adults, and it’s not always about us or the things we really want. It’s not fair. It’s hard. And it’s so human. 

This book is a romance, but it’s more of a Literary/Contemporary fiction piece than a genre book. It’s about two women and their lives, motivations, relationships, and the unfairness of the expectations of motherhood. I couldn’t put it down. 

It’s out now wherever you get your print, digital, or audiobooks.