I had heard about this fire but didn't know much about it. It was interesting to learn more about it and how it affected some many people. I cried at some parts, it was such a tragic evet.

I received an ARC from NetGalley & the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Hartford circus fire of 1944 was so sad & devastating. I never knew this event in history even happened until reading this book. Evelyn’s family goes to the circus without her because she has to work & horrible events occur amongst her family & countless other people. A circus clown, whose real name is Hank, helps Evelyn navigate the tragedy, while also dealing with his own past. Ultimately, they fall for each other. I loved how this story was told & want more! What a debut for this author!

This book was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the story and found the characters of Hank and Evelyn to be likable and compelling. The writing style reminded me a bit of a Grace Livingston Hill novel, especially in the frequent use of Scripture and hymns. However, I didn’t feel that these uses were always masterfully woven into the narrative—at times it really jarred me out of the story, and by the end I found myself skimming over the passages or the hymn lyrics. The figurative language used by this author also felt really heavy-handed. While there were a few examples that I really appreciate, the vast majority felt cliche or out of place. Though my opinion may have been skewed by the sheer volume of similes, metaphors and analogies on nearly every page.
I nearly didn’t finish the book, and though I’m glad I saw it through to the end, it’s not one I would recommend for purchase or pick up again.

When the Flames Ravaged is written by
Rhonda Dragomir. This is book two in the Day to Remember series. The series is written by multiple authors with a focus on American historical events that changed so many lives.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut. So many people are excited about it. They desperately needed something entertaining while war rages on. Clown Fraidy Freddie aka Hank Webb is hiding some hard stuff deep down. He’s trying to get everything set up and blend in when he has to deal with some unsavory circus characters. The circus has to hire people on the towns that they are in due to the shortage of bodies from the water.

Evelyn is a war widow. She lost her husband in the Bataan Death March. She lives with her brother, Bill and her sister in law Helen. Along with their two children Lillie and Jamie. She works long hard hours for minimum wages at a local diner. She is looking forward to visiting the circus with her family. However, her boss calls her into work.

Once the circus is all set up the matinee is all ready for the show on Thursday, July 6, 1944. While the show is starting up flames burst out. Despite Hanks efforts there is a lot of carnage that is left behind. Hank and Evelyn are drawn to each other. Hank tries to be the pillar of strength for Evelyn while she has to sort a lot out. However as details of the fire emerge can their friendship withstand it?

This is a beautiful written story based on a horrible tragedy. The author has done great research to bring this part of history to life. The story is well written and so engaging.

I’ve been loving all of this series. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This excellent novel is about people affected by the fire at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus during a 1944 performance in Hartford, Connecticut. The tragedy is difficult to read about. Overall, however, the novel is captivating, giving dignity to those injured or killed and their families. The primary characters are defined well, engaging, and easily invested in. I enjoyed tie-ins to the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz, such as what Evelyn referred to as the little wizard called Pride.

Evelyn, a war widow, worked as a waitress. She lived with her brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Helen, and their two young children, Lily and Jamie. Bill was unable to enlist in the military due to his uncontrollable stutter and worked as a janitor. His beloved wife, Helen, made parts for B-50s with other women working manufacturing jobs while the men served in WWII.

The circus was in town, and several clowns went to the diner where Evelyn worked. She was unable to see his “real” face behind the makeup, yet she and Hank were attracted to each other. His character was a fraidy-cat mime, but his actions spoke louder than words. Evelyn and her family planned to go to the circus matinee the next day, but Evelyn was called in to work instead.

Hank and his peers were to make sure no fires started from cigarette or cigar butts being tossed away and ascertain there were full water buckets in case a little fire broke out. There had been fires at two performances in previous cities so they were extra diligent.

Bill, Helen, and their children went in as the show began. Lily was dressed like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, including her sparkly red shoes. Their seats were near where Hank worked, and to Lily’s delight, acted out during certain performances.

Suddenly, fire was racing up the side of the tent, far more than could be managed with water buckets. Roustabouts helped patrons get down the stairs and out of the tent. Bill handed Lily and Jamie down to Hank to make sure they got out. He sent Helen down the steps, then helped as many as possible evacuate. Hundreds died that day, with many more injured. When Hank and Evelyn ran into each other outside the destroyed tent, he realized he had seen her family and helped her search.

Hank and Evelyn are Christians, but Hank is hiding a huge secret. That, and other challenges, kept him doubting the Lord’s love. Evelyn’s once-strong faith was in tatters. How could the Lord take everyone she loved except Lily, who no longer spoke? They did not find Jamie. Hank did not give up, but Evelyn finally did.

Many things tugged at me in this novel. One was the story itself, all the loss of life and health. Another is how Hank and Evelyn were drawn together, but it seemed everything tried to keep them apart. The humor they found at times despite their grief. Bill’s rescue of others, including his children, to the loss of his own life. The extreme faith struggles. Hank becoming willing to go to jail to do the right thing to have a life with Evelyn and his parents. The mystery of how the fire started.

I was surprised and satisfied with the end, and highly recommend it to those who appreciate historical fiction with real events, mystery, and learning to trust the Lord in a new and deeper way.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.

When the flames Ravaged

The author is new to me. I enjoyed her writing. Evelyn is a widow, lives with her brother’s family. Hank is in the circus that came to town. Evelyn’s family went to the circus while she was working. A fire broke out. Hank helps Evelyn find her family. Will she find them alive or dead? I really enjoyed Evelyn’s character and how much she loved her family.

The story is based on a true story. One of the worst circus fires in history. I don’t remember hearing about it. It was very interesting reading this book about it. I love reading books based on history.

I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. This book review is my own opinion.

What a tragic, heart-rending event! It is well written. The gruesome event is not written in a graphic manner, fortunately. It captured my attention from the beginning, and kept me reading. Did Evelyn find her family alive, or not?

If you enjoy historical fiction, even based on tragedies, you'll want to add this one to your to-read list.

I was struck by the overwhelming grief in the story. A tragic fire destroys not only the circus but many who were in the tent excitedly enjoying the show. Family’s gathered together to make a day of it. The author mixes historic truth with a bit of fiction to deliver a story that leaves me asking the same question one of the main characters does.

Evelyn is devoted to her sister, brother-in-law and two beautiful children. She wanted to join them at the circus but her boss would not let her off. When news of the fire travels to the community Evelyn rushes to find her family. What she sees is devastation, death and loss. Where is her family? Her grief would bring anyone to their knees. When her neighbor comes to visit Evelyn asks why did God allow this to happen. The answer was delivered in a compassionate way as the neighbor softly says, “ if God saved every person who was ever in danger, what kind of world would this be? If miracles happened every day, they wouldn’t be miracles anymore. Sometimes God lets nature take its course.”

Hank is a clown in the circus but hides a dark secret that brings him sadness daily. When he meets Evelyn there is a spark but I think Evelyn wasn’t as excited to pursue him as he was her. When he tries to help Evelyn find her family they do grow a little closer. He blames himself for not stopping the person he believes is responsible for starting the fire. Oh yes the blame game gets us every time. We allow the enemy to whisper to us that we are at fault and not loved by anyone. One thing we must remember is, “we are not responsible for other people’s actions.”

The story takes us on a journey to try to find Evelyn’s missing nephew. Deep in her heart Evelyn believes he survived the fire and won’t stop until she gets an answer. The town is trying to recover from the loss of many while trying to start over. The author does an amazing job of illustrating forgiveness , miracles and a new relationship with God.

I received a copy of this book from Cerebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I have always loved historical fiction. When I was young, I was delighted when I would find a book that introduced me to some historical event and made it into a story—and I still am! For that reason, I am enjoying the series, A Day to Remember, written by various authors. Each book in this series tells a gripping story set during and after some great tragedy in America’s past. I had never heard, before I read When the Flames Ravaged, about the fire in the circus tent in Connecticut in 1944.

When the Flames Ravaged is easily my favorite of the three books I have read so far in this series. The disaster described was horrible, and Rhonda Dragomir has described it so well that I could feel the horror of the day. That part was not my favorite, of course—but what happened in the lives of people as a result was great. I really appreciated the exploration of the question, “Why would a God of love allow such pain and suffering?” More than one person in the story struggled with that question, and it was answered in various ways. I also liked the example of someone making past wrongs right and seeking forgiveness.
There was one thing that jerked me out of the story. Someone said, “I’m supposed to be sure everyone is legit.” That didn’t sound like it belonged in a book set in the 1940s! However, I looked it up and apparently it became a reasonably common expression in the 1920s. So, my faith in the author’s research is restored. As with the other books in the series, I appreciated the author’s notes about her sources and the real events on which she based her story. I will be eagerly anticipating further books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 3: Kiss between husband and wife. Chapter 4: Men ogling a woman’s legs. Chapter 5: Fight between men. Chapter 6: “Leggy ladies”/”visual treat,” lion clawing man. Chapters 7/8: Fire, panic, many people hurt/killed. Chapter 15: Description of burned bodies. Chapter 33: The dickens they were.

“When the Flames Ravaged” is an evocative and fascinating story that beautifully blends history, romance, tragedy, suspense, and healing. I didn’t know anything about the fire that hit the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the mid 40s. so I was I shaken to learn of this and was quickly immersed in Evelyn and Hank’s journey. I connected with them and empathized with the questions they had. I rooted for them on their spiritual journey.

This tale offers emotive storytelling, a blend of fiction and real events, and wonderful, believable characters, and a satisfying spiritual thread. This story gave me more than I expected.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

When the Flames Ravaged is a heartwarming story based on real historical events that will make you grow in faith while sighing at romance.

I enjoy a good romance novel. But if I’m honest I prefer the ones that also have some suspense thrown in. This novel has both suspense and romance plus a good historical fiction aspect as well. The tragedy in this book of the circus fire is based on a real one. But of course, the people within the book are fiction. But they do pull at your heartstrings quite a bit. And you just might begin thinking they’re real in your head. That’s the sign of a good author and wonderful characters.

Evelyn is a widow. After she’s widowed she goes to stay with her brother and his wife/children. She’s grieving. She’s hurting. And she needs time to heal. Everyone hopes that she will get just that.

Hank is hiding out with the circus. He’s hiding from his past. He’s also maybe hiding from the future he was meant to have.

The fire changes everything for both of them. But will the changes bring good or bad? Will they find the healing they need?

I loved this new historical fiction series. This is the second book in the series I believe. This series focuses on historical events and recreating them in fiction. I’m always up for learning more about history and I had no clue about this circus fire. It caused me to take a deeper dive into the tragedy. Plus this was an amazing book to read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what historical tragedy it features.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I thought this was a good historical fiction about an event that I knew next to nothing about. I thought the author did a good job of making us care about the characters and understand what they went through through this event. I liked how she showed us their struggle trusting in God and why he would let bad things happened. I liked how they found healing and were able to trust God and love again. I thought the author has a good writing style and I would read more by her.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

When the flames ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir is the second book in the A Day to remember series from Barbour Publishing. It is about the historic and devastating fire at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus that happened in Hartford Connecticut on July 6, 1944. A lot of lives were lost and changed that day. The two main Characters Hank and Evelyn met and became Friends and helped each other and eventually fell in love. This is a good, interesting, and of course sad story. This story also is good for anyone who is questioning why God lets bad things happen to good people and their family. It also deals with questioning rather you have faith in God. Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review a ARC of this book.

“Was God with her? Faith chimed, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. But doubt quoted Jesus in His darkest hour. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

This second book in the Barbour series, A Day to Remember, brings us the horrific story of When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir. Each book in the series highlights a lesser-known American tragedy. As with the first, this was a difficult read because of the intense emotions stirred by the recounting of the Hartford, Connecticut circus tragedy. I had to be careful to recognize why I was in a very despondent mood as I occasionally came up for air as I read.

Both Evelyn, whose close relatives attend the circus that fateful day in 1944, and Hank “Fraidy Freddy,” have some big questions for God after the fire. “How could a loving God…” reiterated over and over as two young people who were once believers in His care, consider that they may not need a God Who wouldn’t prevent such an atrocity. No easy answers are given, but Scripture and wise words are combined at precisely the right time to stir thoughts in a seeking soul.

Slowly, painstakingly so, we follow Evelyn and Hank as they search for Evelyn’s missing family. While the tragedy brings them close, the two teeter between more than friends and persona non-gratis as secrets, guilt, and efforts to be independent take center stage.

I loved so many secondary characters. Bill, Evelyn’s brother. Mrs. Riegle, with her gentle ways, yet determined to be a help to Evelyn. The Preacher. “I’m not really a preacher. I’m simply a man who wants to tell others about how God helps us through our troubles.” Connecticut State Police Sergeant Amato. As one of my favorite people often says, he is the kind of person “who makes your problem, his problem.”

I can’t believe this is Dragomir’s debut novel. It is so well-written. I loved the inclusion of Emmett Kelly (excuse me while I go off to research him a little more, I used to collect clown figurines based on his art). I also had to research the Bataan Death March a bit. I learned so much from this book!

I also loved some twists and the humor. Unfortunately, the tragedy was so severe, there was no humor at that point in the book. But that is real life. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and will also be looking forward to reading more from Rhonda Dragomir.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“the costume also hid a man wanted for murder. His parents would be spared the shame of watching their son die in the electric chair.”

“A blood moon was expected tonight, and the superstitious circus folk had grumbled all day about the alleged ‘omen of death.’”

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

“The deadliest enemy at this moment wasn’t the fire, still too far away to be a threat. But panic could kill.”

“The speed with which tragedy stripped a person bare was nothing less than terrifying.”

“It was his fault. Murder. By neglect. Almost two hundred times over.”

“I hope someday you’ll see yourself as God does.”

“We accept blessings from God’s hands every day, but when bad things happen, we blame Him.”

When The Flames Ravaged was an interesting read, though it wasn't quite what I thought I was getting into. I was expecting an historical novel that was more in depth about the actual fire and the causes behind it. What I got was a bit of a suspense novel crossed with an historical novel crossed with a romance story. It was a clean and enjoyable read that takes places in the shadows of the Ringling Bros circus fire in Hartford, CT, in 1944.

We meet Evelyn, a war widow struggling to make ends meet and struggling to keep from the depression that wants to cover her heart. As a waitress, she is doing all she can to contribute to her sister's family with whom she is living and helping. Her niece and nephew are the lights in her life and she looks forward to their joy each morning and evening. While on the job, she meets several of the men/clowns from the circus, feeling an unusual connection with one of them.

Hank is just a man struggling to get his life right and working hard in the circus, while trying to figure out how to set his life back on the straight and narrow. As a clown with the circus, he often hides behind the character he plays. Until the fateful day of the circus fire. Then, he knows what to do and acts quickly, assisting an unknown man who is helping women and children get to safety. He stays with it, even though the little girl next to him won't leave. Then, he grabs her at the last minute while she screams for daddy and runs to safety with her.

In the aftermath of the fire, we find Evelyn and Hank working together to find Evelyn's niece and nephew, whom it turns out Hank helped their daddy get to safety. But where are they? As the two search through the ashes and shadows of the fire, they also grow closer together. Hank forces himself to face his past and Evelyn forces herself to face her future. What will it all become?

This was a tremendous novel, though it was a little bit of a slow start as the author built the characters. I truly enjoyed the writing and building of the story, keeping the reader engaged, desiring to know what becomes of each of the characters in the story. The suspense and mystery surrounding the actual stories of some of the people from the real fire is built into this fictional account very well. I feel like I know quite a bit of this history of this event through the telling of Evelyn and Hank's stories. This is one that I recommend to people who enjoy historical novels, a bit of mystery and suspense, and don't mind just a tad bit of romance thrown in at the end. An enjoyable read.

What an awesome yet heart wrenching story. I'd never heard of this horrendous circus fire, but thanks to the author, this event, and it's aftermath, was brought to life.
Evelyn Benson is a war widow who lives with her brother and his family while helping to pay the bills by working as a waitress. Hank is living the life as a circus clown in the Ringling Brothers circus to attempt to remain hidden from something in his past.
Both of their lives are drastically altered after the fire. During this time, Hank desires a relationship with Evelyn, but with so many secrets in his past, will it ever work out?
Both also are on a spiritual journey, struggling with questions of why God would allow such suffering in their lives. I loved their individual growth and how it affected their relationship with each other. And I loved the spiritual truths shared. I loved this passage, "A mental picture floated into Evelyn's mind on wings of a dove, seeing herself seated in God's lap in much the same way. She could almost feel HIs embrace, snug and comforting. She leaned into it with a new understanding. Evenlyn was but a child in the universe God created. She'd never receive the answers to her questions when her capacity to understand was limited by her humanity. Evelyn would have to demonstrate to God the same trust Lily had placed in her-to guide her safely through life's circumstances, no matter how inexplicable or how much they contradicted her belief in a loving, powerful God."
What really kept me swiping through the pages of my book was the anticipation of needing to know what the status was of certain family members after the devastating fire. Following their journey to reunite with loved ones. Not knowing if loved ones were alive and missing or deceased. So emotional knowing this was based on a true event. The author truly had me in tears as I read these stories of fictional people, knowing they were based on reality. Though, I will say, some of my tears were happy tears. Such an emotional story.
I loved this book, and cant wait to read more by this author.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

This is the second in the series A Day to Remember which takes past historical disasters and remembers them with a fictional story penned about them. This was no less heartbreaking than the first, and these stories are really complemented with the author's notes concerning the tragedies.

This particular event took place on July 6, 1944, when the Ringlings Brother and Barnum and Bailey circus tent caught on fire. This was an event I never knew about, so it was eye opening to say the least, and just really grounds my dislike of being around crowds. Anyway, this is a story that focuses on Evelyn a young widow who had been taken in by her brother, his wife, and their two young children for a new start. All of them, except for her, were at the circus that day. When the tragedy strikes, she must decide to either rely on her already fragile faith or break into a million pieces.

Hank Webb is one of the clowns at the circus. He only took up the job so that he could run away from the life he loved, but one that he believes he can never go back to. He notices Evelyn at her job waitressing and became infatuated with her. He never thought they would officially meat under the unbelievable circumstances that brings them together. And he is hiding a lot more from her than his past.

I really appreciated the author's notes especially concerning some of the circumstances that later developed in the days after the fire. The author has done her research and answered some of the questions that I had. This is a tragic read, with hope, but I think it is good we remember these events.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

We hear of a disaster and might think nothing further of it. Dragomir has really brought out the personal aspect of a tragedy. Real people are involved and here we also experience the aftermath of finding survivors and identifying victims. That part of the novel is a bit gruesome. I appreciate the Author's Note identifying the actual facts of the tragic event.

The strength of this novel is the theological issues the characters talk and think about. Why does God allow tragedies? Where does the providence of God end and the responsibility of man begin? These are weighty issues and they are handled well in this novel. There is also a good faith message about trusting God after running from Him for years.

Readers who like historical fiction based on actual events will like this one. Dragomir's writing style is good and this book on a serious subject was easy to read.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

3.5 Stars

One of the things I enjoy most about reading historical fiction is being introduced to periods of history I had no idea existed. When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir put me in the lives and shoes of some of the people who might have witnessed the 1944 circus fire in Hartford, Connecticut.

Dragomir takes the time to introduce readers to her characters before the tragedy, which makes the fire all the more tragic. Through their eyes, we watch the tragedy and the aftermath unfold.
Evelyn as hands down my favorite character of this book. So much loss in her life but she presses on for the people she loves. Hank comes alongside her for the outset, supporting her in her loss and grief.

While the fire was well-documented in When the Flames Ravaged, much of the book after that focuses on the romance between Hank and Evelyn. It is a fast one that is formed during a difficult period of time, but that allows Hank to see Evelyn at her lowest.

A strong second book in the series, this book pulled on my heartstrings and put me through a rollercoaster of emotions.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

This book would be great for someone who is struggling with the idea of why God allows bad things to happen or why bad things happen to good people.