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Simon & Schuster

The Burning Side: A Novel

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Description

From the author of The Bright Years, the story of April and Leo, a couple on the brink of collapse. When their house goes up in flames, family secrets and thorny histories emerge as they are forced to decide what is worth salvaging. When April and Leo’s house burns in the middle of the night, they escape with their two young children and the quiet knowledge that the fire is not the only thing threatening their family. They retreat to April’s childhood home in Dallas, where her spirited parents and siblings provide both comfort and complication. As the family reckons with the aftermath—grief, guilt, logistics, and memories scorched and intact—the fire exposes the cracks already forming in April and Leo’s marriage. The novel unfolds in alternating perspectives: from April, who feels the crushing weight of motherhood, marriage, and self-blame; from Leo, a high school history teacher shaped by a lonely, fractured childhood; from Deb, April’s generous and no-nonsense mother who has to contend with her husband’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis; and from flashbacks that trace April and Leo’s relationship from its earliest days of connection to the devastating decisions that led them here. A family saga suffused with humor, longing, and heartbreak, The Burning Side is about what we inherit and what we choose, about forgiveness and the ache of being known. It is, above all, about the meaning of home and the costs of long love. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster


Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more


Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 19, 2026


Language ‏ : ‎ English


File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB


Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported


Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled


X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled


Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • I LOVE THIS BOOK
Format: Kindle
Sarah Damoff does not miss. My only complaint with this book is that I wish it could have gone on forever. I wasn’t ready for it to end. I think that the story could have benefitted from a bit more Leo, but I think Leo hid from himself, so it makes sense that he hid from us also. I wish too that we could have seen more of the reconstruction of April and Leo’s relationship. Their reconnection felt mildly rushed, but I think this was also intentional. In real life, things change in a split second, and one moment can rewrite the course of history. I think that’s true in the case of this book as well. In some alternate timeline, Leo and April are learning to love each other again, and in the process, I hope that they’re learning to love themselves. There was also something so deeply comforting about seeing couples choose each other, despite circumstances, differences, grievances, etc. I think sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and so fixated on instant gratification that we lose sight of how fulfilling a true, meaningful relationship can be. Love is not always easy, in fact, I think that’s probably only a small portion of it. Sometimes, it’s sitting inside of a burning house because the one you love cannot get out and you would rather die than leave them behind. April and Leo left each other for a time, but they reentered, putting out the fire together, rebuilding what they’d once held dear, making renovations along the way. The finished product is only as great as the work it took to create it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026 by Tatum Walker
    • Good Read!
Format: Audiobook
so this was my first book by Sara Damoff, and I went into this one really excited because I’ve heard so many amazing things about her debut, The Bright Years, which I still definitely plan to read. While this one didn’t completely wow me, I still think it was a solid and emotionally thought provoking read. What I appreciated most about this story was how deeply it explored the small moments in life that we so easily take for granted. Through all the heartbreak, tension, and family struggles, there was this constant reminder to slow down and appreciate the people around you because those moments pass so quickly and you can’t get them back. I found myself genuinely reflecting on my own life and family while reading, which I always think is something special when a book can do that. This book also tackles a lot of heavy topics. Marriage struggles, Alzheimer’s, infidelity, abandonment, entitlement, grief, and the complicated dynamics within families are all woven throughout the story. At times it felt very emotionally heavy, but I think the author handled those themes with a lot of honesty and realism. Overall, this was one of those books that I liked more for the feelings and reflections it brought out in me rather than the actual plot itself. It didn’t necessarily leave me blown away, but it also wasn’t bad at all. Just a good, solid family drama with emotional depth and relatable themes about love, family, and what “home” really means. And even though this one wasn’t a huge standout for me personally, I’m still very interested in reading The Bright Years because I can definitely see the strength in Sara Damoff’s writing. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026 by Sam 📚💛 | Booktok
    • Read it NOW! Read it NOW!
Format: Hardcover
Review Image by sc510
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀. 𝗔𝗹𝗹. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘆𝗽𝗲.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 It’s the kind of sweeping family saga that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. And that ending? Have tissues within arm’s reach. The writing is absolutely 𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹. It’s immersive, layered, and beautifully crafted. Every character feels real and fully formed, with motivations and flaws that make the drama hit even harder. The emotional range is unmatched. One chapter will have you smiling at tender, quiet moments; the next will leave you blinking back tears. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026 Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026 by sc510
    • don’t miss this book
Format: Kindle
Beautifully drawn characters one will remember long after the book is finished. Generations painted truthfully with all their happiness and heartaches. So many life lessons to be absorbed and treasured.
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2026 by Patti T.
    • Emotional Family Drama
Format: Kindle
Burning Side is beautifully written very readable family drama with likable characters. When April and Leo's house goes up in flames, saving their two children is the only thing that mattered. When the fire is out, they are faced with the marital flames that are still on fire and much more complicated. The Burning Side is the story of their marriage, their extended families and the connections that exist. My only issue was I felt it was somewhat formulaic. Still, a four star family drama with suspense and authentic emotions. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026 by JerseyJude
    • emotionally beautiful
Format: Kindle
Beautiful story about a couple and the love and rhythms of generations of family that came before and after them. Brought tears to my eyes. Circle of life emotions.
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2026 by Susan S.
    • I truly don’t get the hype and all the 5 star reviews
Format: Hardcover
Tough review to write. I truly don’t get all the hype of this novel or author. It’s a solid decent read. But great. No way. Interesting characters - not so much. It’s long and gets tedious. I’m in the minority though but there are much better family sagas IMO. Hard to finish but I do want to know what happens. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2026 by JT Atlanta
    • Emotional Read🥺
Format: Hardcover
This was another emotional read that completely pulled me in. One thing this author does well is combine multiple points of view and storylines in a way that feels seamless. Every perspective adds something to the story, and even with so much happening, I never felt lost. April and Leo’s relationship was frustrating and heartbreaking at times. Their love for each other was there but the real struggle was watching two people who cared so much fail to make each other feel truly seen, heard, and loved. Then to add to it the family’s struggle with Billy’s Alzheimers diagnosis. Watching the family navigate the realities of memory loss, grief, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead added so much depth. This one really focuses on memory, forgiveness, grace, and choosing love even when it feels difficult. It is a story that needs you to look beyond mistakes and hurt and consider what really matters. In the end, you are hit with reflection and appreciation for the people we love. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026 by Tina G.

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