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Like a House on Fire  By  cover art

Like a House on Fire

By: Lauren McBrayer
Narrated by: Marin Ireland
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Publisher's summary

A JULY 2022 BELLETRIST BOOK CLUB PICK

What would you do if you found the spark that made you feel whole again?

After twelve years of marriage and two kids, Merit has begun to feel like a stranger in her own life. She loves her husband and sons, but she desperately needs something more than sippy cups and monthly sex. So, she returns to her career at Jager + Brandt, where a brilliant and beautiful Danish architect named Jane decides to overlook the “break” in Merit’s résumé and give her a shot.

Jane is a supernova—witty and dazzling and unapologetically herself—and as the two work closely together, their relationship becomes a true friendship. In Jane, Merit sees the possibility of what a woman could be. And Jane sees Merit exactly for who she is. Not the wife and mother dutifully performing the roles expected of her, but a whole person.

Their relationship quickly becomes a cornerstone in Merit’s life. And as Merit starts to open her mind to the idea of more—more of a partner, more of a match, more out of love—she begins to question: What if the love of her life isn’t the man she married. What if it’s Jane?

©2022 Lauren McBrayer (P)2022 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

Critic reviews

“Wise, witty, and tender, Like a House on Fire is a multilayered examination of connection and desire that artfully tackles the question: What if the person you are isn’t the one you set out to be? It’s beautifully written with deep empathy and vivid characters. I was utterly seduced and satisfied by this book.” (Camille Perri, author of When Katie Met Cassidy and The Assistants)

Like a House on Fire is an un-put-downable novel about motherhood, middle-aged malaise, questioning identity and the choices women are forced to make. I found parts of myself on every page; every woman will find herself along the way as they turn the pages of Merit's life and get lost in McBrayer's raw, emotional and stunning prose. And the ending...well, I'm still shaking. Every woman should read this book. Alert your book club, this one will bring out the discussion, the confessions and the wine.” (Elyssa Friedland, author of Last Summer at the Golden Hotel)

“With a zippy pace, punchy dialogue, and beautifully crafted sentences that manage to capture the tenderness of longing and self-discovery, Merit and Jane’s love story feels both realistic and escapist, a queer romance done right.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Compelling…. Recommended for readers who enjoy introspective relationship fiction.” (Booklist)

What listeners say about Like a House on Fire

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Been there

I really loved this book. It handled the coupling of the two women with grace, tenderness, and dignity. I believe it is the story of many women who have chosen an alternative lifestyle.

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5 people found this helpful

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Not for me

I didn’t realize this book was about a lesbian relationship. I don’t care who people love to each is own but I don’t want to read about it. Got cringey for me I fast forward to the end to see how it turned out. Yuck. Not my cup of tea. The narrator is great did a good job with different voices.

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4 people found this helpful

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Loved

The epitome of a true love story. I very much enjoyed and would definitely recommend! I finished in one day!

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3 people found this helpful

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Like a heart on fire

This is an absolutely gorgeous story. It gave me all the feels and I’ll be thinking about it on a loop for quite some time. If you’re not sure about the premise, let me encourage you to just read it- just listen. A true love story- not everyone gets one so share theirs.

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2 people found this helpful

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Phenomenal

One of the most well written romance stories I’ve read. And I hope Lauren McBrayer writes more! Must read!

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Simply fantastic!

I don’t write reviews, so all I’ll say is this: I loved this book so so so much!

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Brave story!

4 stars for Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer. I really enjoyed this book about a middle aged woman returning to the work force after having two kids and trying to find her own happiness outside of motherhood and wifedom. The voice was so authentic and relatable. I found the characters of Merit and Jane to be so completely believable and real it feels like the story was about a friend or women I know. There is a lot of humor in this book which kept me from feeling weighed down by the heavy topics of dissatisfaction in a marriage, sacrifices women who have children make, and just wanting more out of life and what price you might be willing to pay for your own desires and dreams. Very quick read, although I paused it for other obligations and came back to it. The audio version read by Marin Ireland is absolutely perfect. I highly recommend.

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Author insults Floridians

If you live in Florida, be prepared to be insulted by this author. The multiple comments throughout the book inferring that Floridians are ignorant, closed minded, homophobic and right wing is absolutely insulting, and frankly, proof that the author herself is new to the writing game. Lauren, I live in North Florida, have a gay son, am very, very left leaning and care about equity, inclusion and climate change. We have also lived in Seattle and San Francisco for years prior to moving to Florida. Your comments were not appreciated and frankly, shows you are closed minded and making gross generalizations. Other than this gross error in the author’s judgement, the book & narrator were great. Next book, try not to insult the people who purchase your work…

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Fantastic performance and storytelling

Im totally hooked on the writer and narrator. This story was heart wrenching and so delicious!

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Couldn't love it more

Perfect. I loved the story, the narration and all of it. What an enjoyable experience.

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