This one was ok . I learned about an event in history I didn’t know about but I did not like the Christian fiction undertones to it so I will not be reading any others by this author

When the Flames Ravaged is the second book in the A Day to Remember series. This is a multi-author series with each book focusing on a different event in history. As such, they can be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.

This book focused on the Hartford circus fire of 1944. I honestly didn't know much about this event prior to reading the book, but I found the story absolutely intriguing. The author did a wonderful job of transporting us to this place and time and creating characters that I felt invested in right from the very start. It was a story of heartbreak and loss that was certainly very difficult at times, but it also offered a really beautiful message of hope. One of the big themes of the story was the question of why God allows tragedies to happen, and I think that is a question that so many can relate to. This was a beautiful story and one that I adored.

If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, this is one you will definitely want to experience for yourself.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

When the Flames Ravaged
by Rhonda Dragomir
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: A Day to Remember- July 6, 1944
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?
Evelyn Benson’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.
On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.”

Impressions: I enjoy historical fiction and am looking forward to this series. I had never heard of this event before reading this, but the picture of chaos from the story makes me shudder to imagine this day. I found the characters to be interesting but distracting from the actual event. I felt more drawn to the relationship drama of this couple than the actual fire. I would have preferred more focus on the circus and the fire. The relationship between Evelyn and Hank felt strangely fast-paced.

Quotes: “’ Now, Lord, help us to seek Thy divine wisdom, for we have none in ourselves. Shine Thy light, for we know it will dispel the darkness.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this author's debut book. Based on the events of a tragic fire during a circus matinee in 1944, Evelyn's story is tragic. The frantic search for love ones through the destruction, the hospitals and morgue and the behind the scenes of the circus are all heartbreaking and realistic. Loved the author's note at the end. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this emotionally historical fiction novel.

Wow! This bookbwas so emotionally driven. It made me cry so much. I have had tears and cried a bit with novels in the past, but this one had me sobbing. The author did a fantastic job drawing me in and transferring the emotions felt onto the page!

I learned so much and will be feeling this book for weeks to come.

For me it is a must read.

Highly recommend.

When the Flames Ravaged March 1

Hank almost got clanked in the head by a 50 pound spotlight dropped from the center pole of a circus tent by a careless young man whose name was Russell!
Hank told the young man to be more careful and he and the other clowns went out to dinner at a local cafe. Evelyn enjoyed her job waitressing at the cafe, she was a war widow who lived with her brother and his family, she served the clowns who mimed their orders and made faces at her. Hank wore his fraidy cat makeup and made signs at Evelyn asking if she was coming to the circus and she mimed tomorrow.
None of them knew that tomorrow would change their lives - Evelyn kissed her little nephew James when he came to her bed to snuggle, and she waved goodbye to Lily in her Dorothy of Oz outfit when the family went to the circus without her.
Hank helped corral the men watching under the bleachers for cigarette buts that could start a fire before it was his time to dodge the lions and perform as a clown.
Then he was almost hit by a chair by Russell, and he went to prepare for his act - in the meantime two cigarettes glowed in the sawdust ,,,,

When the Flames Ravaged is a well written historical romance. Great plot and character dynamics. I definitely recommend this book.

When the Flames Ravaged is a novel based on the events of the Ringling Brothers circus fire on July 6, 1944. It follows one family’s tragedy through loss and searching for missing members. I found the descriptions of the most horrible experiences to be clear yet not morbid. I can’t imagine the horror of such devastation and loss of life. I found the book to be quite informative as I was aware of the fire but not details of what happened. As people come together new friendships are formed and others become closer. I recommend this 5 star book.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This story gripped me from the very beginning and I wanted to devour each word. I had never heard of this fire and was enlightened to think of this happening.



The author does such a great job of portraying each of the characters and I was invested in them.



I also enjoyed so much of the spiritual wisdom that is imparted throughout the book. Unfortunately this world is full of hard times but so thankful that God is there with me through each day.



Thanks so much to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

When I began reading When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir, I wondered if I would be able to read it in its entirety. Based on the 1944 Hartford Circus Fire, such tragedy unfolds with the number of lives lost. The main character Evelyn, a war widow and waitress, was living with her brother and his family. A day intended to be fun filled by going to the circus, drastically turned tragic. Hank, a circus clown, had secrets of his own for why he was with the circus. Through the days, weeks, and months following the tragedy, would Hank be able to help Evelyn in finding her family? Would their acquaintance turn into something more? Be prepared for a few tears.

Though not labeled as Christian, the theme of faith in God is woven intrinsically throughout.

Releases March 1. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

I wasn’t sure about reading this story, but the description intrigued me. Within the first few chapters, I was so attached to the main characters and what they were dealing with. I had tears in my eyes at the ending! It was so lovely! In the light of disaster, God still stands with us.

Set in Hartford, Connecticut, this novel based on historical events, gripped my attention from the start. On July 6, 1944 - one month after D-Day, families around the area gathered for a day of fun and relaxation. Most of the local men were serving their country in the military but those who were F4's or past service age, entered the big top with friends and relatives ready to watch the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and all it had to offer. But excitement and laughter suddenly turned to screams and fear. Author Rhonda Dragomir poignantly relays the details through the eyes of a war-widow Evelyn Benson whose family is caught up in the drama and Hank Webb, a circus clown, who comes to the aid of those trapped in the big tent. I found the tale riveting and heartbreaking but I'm so glad I read this novel as it opened my eyes to a piece of history I would have never known about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own.

Rhonda Dragomir delivers a 5-star read with her debut novel, "When the Flames Ravaged". Part of a series on American tragedies, this novel chronicles events leading up to the July 6, 1944 Hartford, CT circus fire and its immediate aftermath.

Dragomir's tale is a compelling blend of fact and fiction. Evelyn Benson is a lovely heroine, beautiful inside and out. Missing the horrific fate of so many, she is left to pick up the pieces of her family's shattered lives. Hank Webb's clown persona hides much; however his innate goodness shines through. It's easy to assume clowns are always ne'er do wells, but Hank proves otherwise. Secondary characters are likewise interesting. They shall remain nameless, as I don't want to hint at their destinies.

This is an intense, emotional story. Dragomir's prose is lovely. Descriptions are vivid, and at times gruesome, yet necessary to show the more nightmarish scenes. She has done impeccable research here. "Diner-speak" is always amusing. A poignant scene near the end brought tears to my eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as grim as it was much of the time. The ending, however, is beautiful and uplifting. I look forward to reading more of Dragomir's works.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this wonderful novel.

This was a beautifully done story, I thought this was a great way to include historical disasters and bring a tension to the story. It had a great romance going on through this book and the characters were everything that I was hoping for. I enjoyed the romance aspect of the book and that it worked with the tense atmosphere. Rhonda Dragomir does a great job in writing this and left me wanting to read the next book in this series.

A fire breaks out at a circus. The audience, mostly women and children during this WWII disaster, stampedes to escape before the big top collapses. Hundreds die. Evelyn is a war widow working in a dead-end diner job and living with her brother and his family. The family attends the circus and Evelyn frantically searches for them. She received help from Hank, a clown who is infatuated with her. Their romance didn’t seem real to me. A grimness to the whole story kept me from enjoying it.

When the Flames Ravaged was a book 2 in the Day to Remember series about a collection of disasters that have happened in the United States in history. I read the first book "When the Waters Came" which was about the Johnstown flood--focusing on the time AFTER the flood. I enjoyed that book, so knew I'd want to read the next book in the series.

When the Flames Ravaged focused on a lesser known but very tragic event that took place in Connecticut during WW2. A giant fire broke out at the the Ringling and Barnum Brothers Circus which destroyed the tents plus killed over 200 people--predominately women and children due to the war time with men gone.

The book begins the day before the fire breaks out--then about 95% of the book is the days, weeks, and months that follow. It follows Evelyn--a widow who loses her brother and sister-in-law in the fire--and who's nephew goes missing after the fire. Now she's got to raise her niece herself--somehow. There aren't more jobs available--the house's mortgage is past due--and what about her nephew? Her heart is broken. Her faith is fleeting. She's mad at God...if there even is One. For how can there be a loving God when He lets this catastrophe happen to such a loving couple?

The secondary character is Freddie/Hank. He's a clown in the circus and he's got a major crush on Evelyn since he saw her the first time in the diner. He has a secret--he's running from the law for fear of a murder charge. And he was there and saw her brother moments before his death. He also thinks he knows who started the fire--but no one will take him seriously. So he pours himself into taking care of Evelyn post-fire, if he can't help himself, at least he can help her.

Through the course of the book you get about 4 months worth of time. My main con--this is an "instant love" I want to marry her book--with just a couple days of knowing Evelyn. I really dislike those type of books for being so unrealistic.

the main faith topic--how can a good God allow this to happen? The characters each have to work through a lot of faith moments before they can find peace.

4 stars. I found it interesting and it made me want to research the disaster more.

**I was given a complimentary copy of the ARC by the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

This book packed a serious emotional punch with its heavy subject matter, yet through the heart wrenching tale of the 1944 Hartford circus fire and its aftermath, the author wove words together like a beautiful and incredibly inspiring tapestry of hope. Hank Webb played the role of a circus clown while he attempted to run from his past. Evelyn Benson endured so much tragedy that it nearly broke her spirit. How this unlikely pair came together and grew in their relationship through numerous difficulties had me reading with rapt attention. They each had their own personal faith struggles that needed resolution and the author crafted a spiritually rich storyline that ran from the depths of despair to uplifting hope. Be prepared for this book to evoke deep emotions, not only from the disaster itself, but by the characters and their personal struggles as they moved forward. I’d definitely be interested in checking out more from this new-to-me author!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required and all opinions stated here are my own.

I was so excited for this book when I seen it because you see, I love the circus. Especially this one!
This Circus has amazing history behind it. This was such a tragedy that it made me cry. Such terrible loss!
I was so angry with the way it happened. Cigarettes are dangerous anywhere, anytime, and anyplace. I thought to myself how can some people be so hard headed to endanger people's lives like that in cramped quarters. Just wow!
I also loved learning the name of their hometown. I always thought their headquarters was here in Florida. Boy, was I wrong! How interesting!
I loved the faith based theme for these characters especially Fraidy Freddy. He was my favorite character.
Reminds me of Jonah the way he was running from God and all.
I didn't want this story to end. I finished it in one afternoon.
This story deserves 5 stars and more! Will be on my list of favorites for this year.
I highly recommend this novel.
My thanks to Netgalley and Barbour publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A very sweet, but sad story based on real events and people (make sure to check out the authors notes on the research she did when writing). Any reader who enjoys character-driven books will find this a great read, as I was immediately draw into the story by the very life-like characters and their stories. The Christian elements of faith and honest struggles as the characters attempted to walk out their beliefs was touching and heartfelt. I also was very intrigued by the historical component to this book as this was an event in history, I knew nothing about and I was fascinated to learn. Apparently, it was one of the worst fire disasters in US history. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about the famous Ringley brothers – the greatest show on earth. Overall, a page-turning read – but be prepared with some tissues handy for the sad parts.
Thank you NetGalley for a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

WHEN THE FLAMES RAVAGED by RHONDA DRAGOMIR is a beautifully written novel which really stirs one up as the author bases her story on the Hartford circus fire that took place on the sixth of July 1944. The deep Christian content and the way in which we really feel the characters’ emotions, make this an unforgettable read. It is a story about incredible courage and unconditional love played out against the reality of life during World War 11 and the excitement of the circus coming to town to bring some well needed cheer.
Hank Webb, or Fraidy Freddy the clown, is afraid of his past catching up with him, and has run away to the circus. It is there that he shows his true metal by saving as many people as he can including Evelyn Halstead’s niece and nephew.I love to see his caring heart as he loves and supports Evelyn, making her feel safe, and is the one who gets Lily to talk again. He also never gives up hope of finding Jamie…….
We are reminded throughout of relevant Scriptures such as “greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends” and Cowper’s hymn about God’s mysterious ways, as Hank and Evelyn struggle with their faith in a God who would allow such devastation. We wonder if their fledgling romance will stand up to all the stress and to the secret that Hank has hidden for so long……
I cannot recommend this lovely novel strongly enough. It is a heart wrenching story but hope shines throughout.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.