When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen (review)

After Emmeline and her merchant father's new wealth elevated them from the working class to Chicago's elite society, Emmeline brought her friend Fiona along as her lady's maid. Anders—Emmeline's childhood love and Fiona's crush—was left behind in their poorer neighborhood. Now Emmeline wants one last moment with Anders before she is married off, so a conflicted Fiona is sent to find him to organize a final rendezvous, only to discover that Anders actually carries a torch for both Emmeline and Fiona. Their love stories play out against the backdrop of 1871 Chicago, and the dramatics between the three ultimately lead to the literal setting of the city's Great Fire. Unfortunately, none of the romances here is especially compelling, with the unlikable Emmeline and Anders acting entirely selfishly and according to their own needs, while Fiona, cowed by the other two, never gains agency in either relationship. A lusty scene between Fiona and Anders does add some spark, but most of the tension comes from the inevitable flames and a focus that relies on the book's larger look at the city and on characters who have nothing to do with the three friends. An informative author's note about the fire is included. Romance fans are unlikely to get the swoons, but history buffs may find interest in the story of Chicago pre-disaster. KQG