Thank you Kenda Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for accepting my request to read Blazes & Brimstone.

Stars: 4.5

I loved this middle grade historical fiction book. The year is 1871 and there are English and Dutch people with some speaking both languages. The author did a great job through the printing and italicizing of words distinguishing the languages. I cannot imagine how it could have been any easier to read enjoyably.

Gruenberg told a beautiful story. I liked that she touched on horrific events from loss of life, loss of property, and separations due to catastrophic fires. As a reader the seriousness is there without doom and gruesome details. I found the story flowed really well. Once I started I was invested. Her characters play their roles: parents teach, children are respectful and listen, and the town came together. Heartwarming.

I would gift this to middle graders and nursing homes.

It is a clean, well-written and respectful story.

This was a great story of family, love and, let's face it, horses. You don't see that often nowadays.

The conflict of the book was invigorating and intense. The world building was well thought out. The characters relatable

Blazes & Brimstone is a perfect book for me - a combination of historical fiction and horses.

This book brings to life the people of Holland, Michigan and the fire they endured in 1871. Most of the people that live in the town are Dutch and Linda Gruenberg brings their language and lives to light, We learn about one Dutch family, these characters are well developed and interesting. One of the sons loves horses.

Horses are so valuable during this time by providing transportation and work for their owners. So the children of this family make every effort to save horses during this horrible fire. The children are sad because of the loss of their mother. With the fire blazing they have even more to lose.

This is a good story for all ages.

Enjoyed by my 12 year old. She would recommend for ages 9 up. Interesting to have a horse book not just about horses.

Has ever there been a book so compelling? This novel was brilliant from start to end. The historical detailing really made the era come to life and the characters came across as very real in the telling.

There was nothing about this book that I did not enjoy. In one word, this book was simply - BRILLIANT.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It really has to be read to be appreciate. It would make a great present for a history and horse mad young adult as well.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.

This is a historical novel about a devastating fire during the 1800s. A fire breaks out and protagonist Lyle and his siblings must rescue their horse and their neighbor's horses but they become separated from their parents. They have to keep the horses and themselves safe while staying ahead of the spreading fire. This is ideal for upper elementary and middle school kids who like historical fiction or horse books. The story is neither too rushed or too slow so it will keep readers engaged. There's lots of tension balanced with charming character moments.

Such a sad story and indeed a terrible tragedy! I learned much about a town called Hollon.
The author did an amazing job with bringing this story to life so that we may learn from it and about it.
Lyle, Rudy, Aggie were a delight in getting to know. I felt like they were the siblings I never had.
I.did NOT like the preacher of Hollon lol. He definitely got on my nerves about the way he preached. But he made me invision about what he said though.
Only thing wrong with this story it was too short. I wanted more!
I know my mouth fell open on some spots but in others they made me want to cry it was so sad. Very well written.
5 stars
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a well done historical novel, I enjoyed the way Linda Gruenberg wrote this. It works for a book that all-ages could read even though it's a children's book. I enjoyed the story and getting to know the characters in this time-period. It left me wanting more and I am excited to read more from the author.

“I thought your ma and pa were going to drive me to drink if you three didn't show up soon. All I heard was where you might be, what you might be doing, how they were going to find you.” His smile pushed his beard wide as he loosened his grip on Lyle. “Now get yourself on in the house so they can see you with their own eyes.”