A book about two friends who accidentally started a fire when in high school. Ally and Beth kept their secret for over 20 years. Beth comes back to town when her Dad has a stroke. So much happens from that point on.
While I enjoyed the story I did think it was a bit slow moving. It felt like too much time was spent in their heads. It did seem rather unfair that more didn’t come out as to what was really the cause of the fire.

Beth and Ally let someone else go to prison for something they did- what they thought would be a prank that burned down their high school gym. Now 20 years later, Beth is back in town just as James, whose father tool the fall, starts looking for answers of what really happened that night. This is told by all of them. Know that you're meant to be sympathetic to Beth and Ally but I had a had time summoning that given what their silence did to James and his family. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An interesting read.

Warning: Nothing about this book feels thriller-y, fast paced, dangerous or is much of a mystery. This is a contemporary story about the friendship between two 30-something women in a small town, and soccer. If that's your thing, then read this. If you're looking for some juicy, high stakes, shady situation about an arson, this isn't it.

The main positive for me was the focus on women's sports. The main character is forced into retirement from playing soccer and we see her navigate that shifting identity. She's no longer the star player and must find a new goals and purpose. It also touches on the choices women may make in order to pursue a career in sports, such as delaying marriage and kids. If you're interested in soccer or the lives of female athletes off the field, you might find something to like here.

To most other readers, I'd say proceed with caution. To me, this failed as any kind of mystery and just barely met minimum requirements for a contemporary. Much of the story felt contrived and low stakes, the constant state of tragedy often felt manipulative, and it was difficult to sympathize with most of the characters' actions/motivations.

Ahh, man... I wanted to enjoy this book! I was really intrigued by the premise and was hoping to find a hidden gem of an emotional book to recommend... but my enjoyment just decreased further and further as I continued the book. Again I think the premise is good and the characters were interesting to read about - but nothing. happened. From page 1 we know exactly what happened 20 years ago and what secrets each character has been keeping, so it was a really anticlimactic experience waiting for the other characters to catch up and all of the secrets to be revealed to each other. Once they were, the way everyone reacted seemed unrealistic and blown out of proportion for a relatively low-stakes situation. This book reminded me of The Dilemma by B.A. Paris, so if you enjoyed this one then you may consider giving this a try. But if you disliked that one, then stay far far away from this book!

Light of the Fire by Sarahlyn Bruck is a compelling and heartwarming story.
Bruck’s has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draws you into the story.
I really enjoyed Beth and Ally’s journey and I look forward to reading this authors next title.

Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

4.5 rating

Two estranged friends get back in touch after twenty years. Beth has a season ending concussion from soccer and comes back to her hometown to care for her father who has a stroke. Ally, her best friend, in high school is divorced with 2 teenagers and never left their hometown. Ally and Beth were the only 2 girls on the boys soccer team in high school and endured many pranks from the boys on the team, Jordan was the ball boy on the team. The story is told by Beth, Ally and Jordan’s point of views.

This would make a wonderful bookclub discussion book about mistakes, consequences, secrets, friendship, redemption and acceptance. Can you tell the truth or keep secrets?

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Sarahlyn Bruce for the arc copy of this book for my honest review.

This book was okay. But many times I found it very predicable and basic. The wasn't really a clear climax in the book which i found strange.

It wasn't what I expected but it was really emotional and heartwarming. I loved seeing the characters heal from trauma as the story went on.

A heartwarming story about mistakes, friendship, love, family and redemption. Told from 3 perspectives of Beth, Ally, and Jordan we find out what it’s like to tell the truth and be given a second chance. I loved the friendship between Beth and Ally. The small town feel of the setting added a nice touch to the storyline. The romance between Jordan and Beth is raw and emotional. A really enjoyable story about second chances and forgiveness.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Light of the Fire is classic Sarahlyn Bruck, which is a very good thing! Bruck knows how to tell stories that capture the readers attention, drawing them into the characters lives. In this novel, she focuses on Ally and Beth, who made an enormous mistake when they were teenagers, one that is now resurfacing years later. Both Ally and Beth are relatable and real, and their story is too. Who among us doesn't have something in their past they aren't proud of? Engaging, well-written, with humor and a little romance, too, LIght of the Fire does not disappoint!

I enjoyed this one it was a good book and I felt it was well paced and a good story overall . The ending kind of fell flat but overall a good book
Thanks to Netgalley and the people for letting me review the book

Light of the Fire
Sarahlyn Bruck

4.5 Stars

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for my copy of Light of the Fire by Sarahlyn Bruck. I have not received any rewards or compensation for this review and therefore all views and opinions are of my own, the reviewer.

In summary: Beth and Ally were kids when they suffered a traumatic experience making them react, causing destruction for a community. Making a pact they keep the truth hidden for over two decades. The truth will set them free at a cost of friendship and family. Jordan’s father lost everything the very same day, carrying with him the guilt of what happened the day the school gym burned down. Jordan needs to clear his father’s name.

Taken back to my own high school days I think about how each of us were going through something personal how that journey set up the future for us in how we live our lives, even though it is not defining of who we are today.

I gave Light of the Fire by Sarahlyn Bruck 4.5 stars for one reason only. The way the book reads I expected a great twist at the end. I am totally invested in the story and plot. The pacing of the book led me to believe there would be a significant grand finale. That said, I still enjoyed the story from start to finish. Today as I write the review I am thoughtful of those characters and their journey through the story. While the ending was still good, a happily ever after, I wondered where they would be if the plot had a twist at the end.
Light of the Fire had excellent character development. I thought that the characters were believable and relatable and I think that is what gives this book its character. It feels like we know kids in our own time at high school going through similar things. I felt Beth and Ally were well built. I had expected Jordan to be more ruthless in the hunt for the truth in his father’s name, I mean, Jordan is a journalist so I expected more development in his quest for the truth.
Overall, I enjoyed the pace, the story and the characters. The writing was enjoyable allowing me as the reader to become quite invested in the story from start to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Beth & Ally are the best of friends and they spend all their time together. As the only 2 girls on the boys soccer team they really have to stick together because the boys don't appreciate them on the team.

Jordan always had a crush on Beth and that crush has continued into adulthood. While visiting his hometown he starts to look into the fire that burned down the high school gym many years before and the blame placed on his dad.

Beth has to figure out what to do in returning to her hometown after her dad has a stroke. Ally is constantly trying to keep everything together.

There's a big secret out there just waiting to be discovered.

This book had a good premise but it seemed stuck and didn't make much forward progress. Repeatedly saying the issue with no resolution left the book .... unsatisfying to me.

Lovely book that keeps you guessing! The two main characters are haunted by so many things from the past. The cast of characters were great, and the preoccupation were believable. The soccer theme was fun too.

An emotional book of life, change, regret, parenting, caregiving, love and deception. Light of the Fire has it all! An enjoyable but tormenting read of how young lives go wrong and find paths back to good.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

"Light of the Fire" by Sarahlyn Bruck is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, guilt, and the enduring consequences of past mistakes. Through its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, Bruck weaves a story that captivates readers from start to finish.

The heart of this novel lies in its exploration of two estranged friends, Beth and Ally, who are forced to confront a harrowing incident from their past that tore them apart. The fallout from a destructive prank that occurred twenty years ago has haunted them, and their shared secret casts a long shadow over their lives. Bruck's storytelling skillfully navigates the intricacies of their individual journeys and the intricacies of their friendship.

Beth and Ally's return to their hometown is marked by personal challenges that add layers of depth to the narrative. Beth's career-ending concussion and Ally's unexpected pregnancy disrupt their lives, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of resilience and the healing power of friendship.

The novel also introduces the character of Jordan, a former classmate who decides to investigate the crime for which his father was wrongfully convicted. This subplot adds an element of mystery and suspense to the story, intertwining past and present as it unravels the truth behind the accident.

Sarahlyn Bruck's writing is evocative and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into the lives of her characters. The exploration of guilt, redemption, and the weight of secrets is skillfully handled, making it easy for readers to empathize with Beth and Ally as they grapple with their past actions.

"Light of the Fire" is a compelling examination of the human capacity for forgiveness and the enduring bonds of friendship. It forces its characters—and by extension, readers—to confront the truth, no matter how painful it may be. The novel's themes are universally relatable, touching on the complexities of relationships and the profound impact of choices made in the past.

In summary, "Light of the Fire" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that explores the intricacies of friendship, guilt, and redemption. Sarahlyn Bruck's storytelling prowess shines through in this tale of two women seeking healing and closure amidst the shadows of their shared secret. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate thought-provoking and emotionally charged literary fiction.

Anyone who was ever a teenager and did something stupid will appreciate the angst of the two women who are the main characters in this story. Or anyone dealing with aging parents who can no longer care for themselves. Or anyone who was bullied, or played soccer, or anyone, really. In Sarahlyn’s third novel, she has upped her game as a novelist, taking on difficult topics: ethics, relationships, and how our actions impact others over the long term. She gives us multiple points of view as the women navigate life, moving smoothly between characters to remind us that things look different when seen through another person’s eyes. She has written a thoughtful, engrossing story dealing with life’s difficulties but also infused with levity and a little romance. A great read! I’m so glad I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 1/2⭐️

This book at first for me was kind of interesting but not at the same time, and then I got to 40% in and this book had me sucked in! This book made my anxiety rise, had me smiling at my kindle, and I even started crying at the end!

I honestly feel like I need another book to this 😭 I need more!! I need to know what happens next, how they go on! I need itt 😫

3.5 stars.
I’m a sporty girl and even though I’ve never played competitive soccer the premise of this story intrigued me. The best friends going their separate ways and then reuniting was a great call by the author- it really made you want to root for the healing of their relationship. The hint of mystery that the fire investigation added bumped it up a star for me too. The only criticism I have is how things ended I felt there should have been a bit more conflict from the community.
Overall a fun book that I really enjoyed reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The characters are really what made this book! They all mixed so perfectly and added so much to the overall story.

4/5