Omg! What a amazing thought provoking read. What would you do if someone you love is suffering with dementia. Would you help them end it? I was sobbing so hard, it's a tough topic but I think the author has done a great job of being respectful and honest. I loved everything about the book!

Wow! I read this book earlier this year but the effect it had on me then and the effect it has on me now, I mean it seriously left a mark.
This debut was phenomenal, handling such a sensitive topic so gracefully I might add was a feat in its own.
Seeing your parents, once healthy and strong, grow old and feeble is the hardest thing to witness. To be there when they are slowly losing parts of themselves breaks your heart. That is why this book brought me to tears from the very first page, I had to give myself breaks because of how triggering it was. But it was so worth it!
I highly recommend this book to everyone but please know its very triggering.

A compelling and moving read that gave me all the feels. I love Jodi Picoult and this was very similar to her style. I enjoyed it

This book deals with the emotional issue of euthanasia. Bernadette is an ICU nurse who has vowed never to put her father in a nursing home. But his dementia is so bad the family can’t handle it any more. Her mother wants her to help her father die. She is deeply torn as would any family would be faced with situation. Her sister is involved with her young children and her mother keeps pressuring her. The characters are well developed and real. The story is heart rendering.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This was a really different book. I didn't connect with any of the characters. It did have a really interesting ending. I rate it a 2.8

D Liebhart’s novel “House on fire” tells the story of how one family is impacted by Dementia .

When Bernadette's father begins to show signs of Dementia she thinks back to her childhood and remembers a promise she made to him. She said she would always look after him and never put him in a home. However, as an adult she begins to see things differently and ultimately a family struggle takes place with her Mum and sister. They all what the best for him but what does that entail? What lengths would she go to to fulfil his wishes.

This was told with a gentle sensitivity and gave a well rounded take on the choices and dilemmas we are sometimes dealt with our loved ones.
Special thanks to NetGalley, and Victory Editing for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

Pub date 31 March 2023

#HouseonFire is heartbreaking but at the same time a gem, this book was just what I needed right now . It dives into a situation that I'm sure touches every family in America in some way or another & makes u feel like your not alone in this battle .
I can't speak for others but this book spoke to me so deep . I was in tears at times but could understand where every character was coming from. I related to each of these women in one way or another . I wish I could give it more stars . ❤️

The whole Farm thing was also fascinating to read about.

Thank u #Netgalley for this wonderful ArC.

This debut novel had so much promise. It evokes the readers morality and societal norms. With the author also being a nurse it brings in another great quality to the story. Although the plot had promise to me it was a miss. Somewhere in the middle it began to lose my interest and I had to force myself to finish the book. I even had to take a week break in order to gain momentum into trying bring this book to a close. To me it seemed like the author had so much to say from her own personal background that she added too much into this book. A week seemed to last 200 pages then towards the end months go by in a matter of 10 pages. I still rate this book with two stars because of her background and I did like the idea of the plot.


Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This book is absolutely heart breaking, yet a reality for many people. It shows the daily lives of not only people with dementia, but their families, friends, and caregivers. The title House on Fire is the most perfect title because in the end, what would you do to please your loved ones in this situation? What's morally right, or what's ethically wrong?

One thing that really stood out for me thoughwas that the author was able to get across that life is over all a mixed bag. There are good days and bad days for everyone, it's up to you to make the decisions you can live with.

This is a very emotional story that felt like a real life. I absolutely loved the women in House on Fire - their faults, weirdness and all because they felt so real.

Bernadette, the main character, faces many difficulties in her life, one of them being what to do with her ailing father. Beautifully written novel, showcases dynamics of the family facing challenges, without being preachy.

I want to thank NetGalley and 9:25 Books for this ARC. Highly recommend this read.

"House on Fire" is a story of promises kept and promises broken.

Nurse Bernadette Rogers knows her father should be in a memory care home. His dementia is worsening and her mother can't take care of him at home anymore. The only problem? Years ago after a family funeral, Bernadette's father made his wife & kids promise they would never put him in a nursing home. Bernadette was just a child when she made the promise, but her mother still takes it seriously.

Rather than watch him suffer, Bernadette's mother wants her daughter to assist her father in dying. She insists he'd rather be dead than continue losing his mind. Without help from her absent brother, and with her sister too busy having kids, Bernadette must debate what to do.

Though I enjoyed the story, I felt like the story wandered and dragged on too long. A lot of it seemed to be the main character driving from place to place. The hippie "commune" where Bernadette's son and his father like seemed an unnecessary side story.

House on Fire by D Liebhart is a poignant and evocative novel that delves into the struggles of dealing with dementia, expertly portraying the challenges faced by both individuals and their families. Through beautiful and insightful writing, Liebhart paints a vivid picture of life in California, capturing the essence of the Pacific coastline and the valley.

At the heart of the story lies an atypical family, bound by the realization that their patriarch has succumbed to dementia and has become violent, endangering himself and those around him. It is a deeply emotional journey as they grapple with the difficult decision of honoring his wishes to never be placed in a care facility, while also acknowledging the need for appropriate care given the available medical advancements.

Liebhart's writing shines in the moments that explore the profound struggle of dealing with dementia. These poignant scenes are powerfully rendered, capturing the raw emotions, confusion, and heartbreak experienced by both the individual with dementia and their loved ones. Through these passages, the author creates an empathetic and compassionate portrayal, shedding light on the realities faced by those living with this condition.

The California setting plays a significant role in the narrative, and Liebhart's descriptive prowess shines as the story unfolds. From the majestic Pacific coastline to the sprawling valleys, the author's vivid prose transports readers to these landscapes, immersing them in the rich tapestry of the characters' lives.

House on Fire also raises important questions about the appropriate care for individuals with dementia in light of medical advancements. The family's internal dialogue and external discussions with professionals open up a challenging dialogue on the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding dementia care. Liebhart skillfully navigates these themes, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on the choices and dilemmas faced by families in similar situations.

While the novel is a powerful and challenging read, there are moments of respite in Liebhart's beautiful and insightful writing. These instances provide glimpses of hope, resilience, and the enduring bonds that unite the family despite the hardships they face.

Thanks to the writer, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC copy.

*Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for providing a free e-copy in exchange for honest review.*

This story was heavy from the get go, the first few lines alone pulled on your heart strings. It is one of those books that make you remember that everyone has a story and everyone is experiencing something different to each other. The book was completely transparent about dementia and its affects on a family — it was truly heartbreaking. It reminded me of my grandfather and the interactions I had with him when he was starting to forget this world. It’s worth the read. Actual rating is 3.5 stars.

📚 Netgalley Book Review 📚
Title: House on Fire
Author: D. Liebhart
Release Date: Available now
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️💫

I requested this book because of the description of a parent suffering from dementia. Both of my granddad’s suffered from dementia so I have a lot of compassion and understanding for family who are caretakers of them. This story was intense, terribly depressing and ultimately not for me. I thought I would be able to connect with some of the characters and that did not happen. I was hoping for a better ending and it left me feeling hopeless.

Amazon Book Description: How far would you go to keep a promise? Bernadette Rogers swore she'd never put her father in a nursing home. Does that include euthanizing him to keep her word? Her mother thinks it does. Bernadette isn't so sure. And even if she were, it's not like you can walk into a drug store and buy Nembutal. Neo-hippie turned ICU nurse, Bernadette's no stranger to the blunt realities of death but her mother's request to help her father—who's disappearing into the abyss of dementia—go "peacefully" blindsides her. Her mother thinks it's assisted suicide. Bernadette knows better. Even if they do it for all the right reasons, it would still be murder. Bernadette is forced to make an agonizing decision about her beloved father and figure out just how far she's willing to go for love.

I received an electronic advanced copy (eARC) from publisher 9:25 Books and Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book .
It was a very emotional journey, exploring family and loss . I found the premise interesting but the ending did not deliver .

House on Fire by D. Liebhart is a must-read. What would you do if you made a promise to your father to never put him in a nursing home but now he suffers from dementia and could pose a threat to your mother? Your mother asks you, a nurse, to help end his life with compassion. This is the conflict Bernadette faces.

I loved every page of this book. It was an emotional ride and had so many family conflicts we all have experienced, witnessed, or feared. Will definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants an emotional ride. Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy and allowing me to write this honest review.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A beloved father with dementia and a tired, caretaker mother. Two overwhelmed sisters are faced with difficult decisions.

this book is so well written and it is such a heavy read. there are some heavy topics and relationships within this book through the themes of dementia, euthanasia, and mental health. my heart absolutely aches for bernadette and i wanted to hug her so badly. this story is told through flashbacks and present time and the writing style is so mature p. THAT FIRST LINE OMG!

my only true issue with the book is that the ending felt a little rushed. i think it could have resulted in around 50 more pages to make it work a bit better as there was very little resolution to the entire story. i was very let down by the ending.

overall, i think this book is great! it deals with some very difficult topics and keeps you involved from the very start.

The premise for this story is How Far Would You Go to Keep a Promise?

The promise is one that a family make to a father that if the time comes he would not be put in a nursing home.

The promise was made when the children were small - and does it stand up when Bernie's father is disappearing into his one Alzheimer's world and his elderly wife - his sole carer - cannot manage any longer.

Would you rather kill your father than break a promise which he clearly cannot remember?

This theme is morally debated between main protagonist Bernie and her sister Colleen. Bernie is an ICU nurse and sees death every day. Sometimes welcoming it for her patients. Colleen has religious views about killing and how its God's decision when someone dies. Brother Adam takes the practical view in that he seems not to have one except in that you cannot beholden to a promise you were asked to make when you were a child and could not decide otherwise.

This debate is big part, but it is only a part of this thoughtful and entertaining family relationship drama. Bernie has her own issues and her own tragedies to deal with. But at the heart of it is what is best for her father - the one person we have no idea what is thinking as we are never told.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for an advance ARC in return for my honest review.

Actual Rating: 2.2

This book had one of the most intriguing first lines that I’d seen: “My mother asked me to kill my father on Christmas.” Right off the bat, it establishes so much tension into the character dynamics. The tone is immediately serious, and I was curious what kind of mother would request this of her children, even one that recited it as nonchalantly as our narrator did.

House on Fire starts on Christmas Day. Bernadette, an ICU nurse, is pulled aside by her mother and asked a favor: euthanize her dementia-ridden father. Their family is burdened by an age-old promise to never put him in a nursing home, but his condition continues to worsen. What follows over the next two weeks is Bernadette’s emotional turmoil — coupled with a bunch of really really bad things happening.

I think the earlier parts of the book were my favorite. We saw Bernadette’s internal conflict and learned about her dynamic with other characters through flashbacks. The book did a very good job making it feel like the clock was counting down.

Gradually, however, the book introduces more and more side plots and events — Bernadette has to deal with a mentally ill son, a tragedy, relationship issues and more. These are both more interesting tangents but they also feel like random external forces that were used to push the story along.

I honestly would’ve been fine if there was none of that and if the book was instead filled with more conversations between characters with different moral perspectives. That dialogue is really where the book shines.

By the end, everything felt pretty anticlimactic. It’s difficult to feel emotionally invested in everyone’s perspectives on the euthanasia issue when the plot had swerved so far away from it as a source of introspection. When the original plot resurfaced at the end, it felt more like a reminder.

Overall, I just think the novel tried to insert too much drama instead of really digging its claws into the one plot that already had enough moral questions to cover.