I loved seeing the effects of what one tragedy had on many lives. It was beautifully written and brought history to life.

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I've never heard of the Peshtigo fire before, so this was a brand new story for me. I liked the characters pretty quickly on (except for Hollis, whom I distrusted almost as soon as he appeared)—Jay is such a good, upright man; Mariah & her sister are sweet; and the little girl is adorable.

The plot felt a little similar to When the Avalanche Roared at first, with a girl engaged to a rich man she doesn't love, and slowly falling for a poor, upright male friend instead; but the story soon became twisty and unique, with blindness, unexpected betrayal, painted landscapes, and an embezzling villain. Honestly, the suspense got a bit much for me, because I knew the villain was a desperate man with no scruples and I spent half of the book anguishing over his impending attacks; but the end was satisfactory and the whole thing was very enjoyable. I really appreciated how the story didn't focus only on the tragedy, but after covering a bit before, and then covering the tragedy itself, it centred mostly on the months following, as the characters came to terms with it and their survival.

Finally, the messages of trust and of doing the right thing despite the cost were excellent. My first Liz Tolsma book was an enjoyable experience, and I look forwards to rereading this story!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

I am thoroughly impressed with When the Sky Burned. While it is part of a series, it is completely a standalone novel. Set at the same time period as the Great Chicago Fire, Tolsma's book tells a fictitious account of a Wisconsin city that suffered a worse fate. Woven throughout is a story of love, mystery, heart attack and survival. If you like historical fiction, this is a must read.

When the Sky Burned
October 8, 1871
by Liz Tolsma
Book 6 of A Day to Remember
Pub DateMar 01 2025
Barbour Publishing |Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance



Barbour Publishing and Netgalley provided me a copy of When the Sky Burned for review:


It is Mariah Randolph's dream to have her paintings displayed in the world's best museums, and Hollis Stanford, the heir to a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. Jay Franklin, the railroad's bookkeeper, discovers discrepancies and believes Hollis is stealing. A fire utterly destroys Peshtigo, Wisconsin, on October 8, 1871, eradicating any evidence of his dirty dealings.


Mariah loses her sight due to the fire, but Jay befriends her and even encourages her to paint again. In the end, a trip to Chicago to return Hollis's daughter to him could put Mariah and Jay in greater danger than the fire that destroyed their town.


I give When the Sky Burned five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the A Day to Remember series, which focuses on various disasters in American history and is written by different authors. This final book in the series, by Liz Tolsma, reveals an American disaster I was previously unaware of.

When the Sky Burned centers on the Peshtigo fires in Wisconsin during the late 1800s. The story follows Mariah, an artist, and Jay, a bookkeeper, who have been friends for a long time. After both experience difficult times, I found myself rooting for them to hold onto their faith, overcome their challenges, and gain a better understanding of themselves and each other.

Their emotions after losing everything are believable and palpable, and their inner faith and strength show what they’re truly made of. I especially connected with Jay. He is a wonderful and memorable character who stole my heart.

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

This book is not only about the terrible tragedy of the fire but also about how faith can sustain you through trials. It is one of a series of books highlighting historic disasters that have changed history.
Mariah Randolph is a young artist who loves to paint the local landscapes in Peshtigo. Her father has made a marriage arrangement with Hollis Stanford, the son of the railroad owner. Her father has seen how living in a logging and railroad town has taken a physical toll on his wife and he wants a better life for his daughter. Jay Franklin works as a bookkeeper in Hollis’s office. He also loves Mariah and feels protective of her.
Someone sends Mariah a letter warning her about Hollis and accusing him of stealing from the company. Who sent it? Is it true? In the midst of this mystery, a tragic fire takes place. Hundreds of people are killed or injured. The town is practically destroyed. The only people who survive are the ones who manage to make it to the river. Mariah loses both her parents and also loses her sight as a result of the intense heat. She feels hopeless because she can’t paint anymore. She and Jay work together to try to catch Hollis before the marriage date. Their faith gives them the strength to continue and draws them closer to each other.
The author does a wonderful job of portraying the danger and horror of the fire and the aftermath. The reader really feels the heartache of the situation but also the hope that faith brings.
This is from the publisher’s website:
“A Tornado of Fire and Embezzlement Sweep through a Community

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Promising painter Mariah Randolph longs to have her canvases displayed in the world’s best museums, and Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. The railroad’s bookkeeper, Jay Franklin, discovers discrepancies and is convinced that Hollis is stealing from the company. But any proof of his dirty dealings go up in smoke when fire utterly destroys the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, October 8, 1871.

The fire leaves Mariah blind, but Jay befriends her and even helps her to start painting again. But a trip to Chicago to return Hollis’s daughter to him could put both Mariah and Jay in more danger than even the fire that devastated the town and their lives.”
The author incorporates a strong faith element in the characters without being preachey.
Will Mariah and Jay discover the truth in time to stop the wedding? Will the town survive and rebuild? Will Mariah ever paint again?
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

One little spark changes their lives forever....

I remember reading in horrified fascination about the Peshtigo Fire a number of years ago so I was completely intrigued to see that Liz Tolsma's installment in the A Day To Remember series would be set during that historical event.

With an embezzlement mystery and a firestorm of unimaginable proportions, When The Sky Burned is quite the historical with a healthy dash of romance. I found myself caught up in Mariah and Jay's lives right away and I hoped that they would find answers before it was too late.

The actual fire is only a smallish part of the story as Liz Tolsma delves into the trauma, heartbreak, pain, and loss of such a disaster. Her characters struggle with how God could allow something so horrific to happen – questions any of us would have in those circumstances.

Our heroine and hero don't get much of a chance to pick up the pieces of their lives before danger and betrayal rear their ugly heads. Of course, that only means that readers will flip those pages even faster in order to find out how it all comes out.

This 6th A Day To Remember book is a good read and inspires you to find out more about some slightly lesser known history. If you are a fan of the author or the series you won't want to miss When The Sky Burned....

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Another stunning story in this series. I couldn’t believe how it was easy to smell the smoke as the author brilliantly describes the scene. I appreciated all the research that was done to capture the realistic tragedy. The fire mentioned in the story was captivating. Historical facts bring this story to life as I witnessed the destruction the fire caused. People were devastated and loss was overwhelming.

Mariah is a young woman who loves to capture beauty by painting. Her desire is to have her work shown in a museum. Now I didn’t particularly like her fiancé as I found him to be demanding and controlling. Mariah looks forward to becoming a wife but will she recognize that her fiancé may not be honest?

Jay is humble, hardworking and maybe has a crush on Mariah. When he discovers that there is something fishy going on with the books he keeps for the railroad he starts t9 get suspicious of a certain someone. He has his hands full though as fire breaks out in the town. Blisters ravaged his hands as he fought alongside the other men hoping to spare lives, homes and businesses.

Have you ever experienced smoke that takes your breath away? As I read this story I thought back to the fires that California has not to long ago. Well known buildings were destroyed as well as homes. The devastation made me cry. Reading how the town in this story had to endure smoke for so long made me think how quickly disaster can happen. Did God allow this fire because of the town being packed with saloons and other sinful things? Or was it done to test the people’s faith?”

“Don’t give into despair. The Lord will deliver us.”

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

I can hardly imagine what this town experienced when a horrific maelstrom of fire engulfed it in 1871. This actual event was one I had not heard about before. Such devastation forms the backdrop for this complex tale of a painter and a wealthy railroad heir and his motherless young daughter. They have enough drama in their lives without adding all the death and destruction caused by the fire that consumed Peshtigo. The realistic characters were easy to imagine and relate to, although I didn’t like Hollis at all. I felt sympathy and admiration for Mariah. I also appreciated Jay, the bookkeeper and her helpful friend. Family and love are important themes in the story, as are honesty and integrity. The dramatic plot pulled deeply from the characters in this compelling drama. I did wonder if everything would really work out for them. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #WhentheSkyBurned #NetGalley

When the Sky Burned is a wonderful historical fiction novel that you’re going to want to read. It’s also the sixth book in a series. This series is amazing and on natural disasters. It focuses on the people of the time and what they might have gone through. You’ll get a feel for the devastation but also for what the people might have felt and gone through.

I loved getting to know Mariah. But I was never a fan of her fiancé. He just seemed too smooth or too perfect. And then his facade starts to slip. And the way he treats his daughter. Not cool.

You’re going to love this novel. It has suspense and it has romance. It has devastation but also hope. I loved getting to learn about a disaster that I had actually never heard of. Reading this novel had me researching and learning a lot more.

Oh, and I could literally see the paintings of Mariah. They’re so neat. And the way they were described helped me to be able to see them. The characters were also described in such a way that I really felt that I knew them. There are a few that I felt like shaking but most were wonderful and actually surprised you with how they rise up and tackle the disaster.

Definitely one that I recommend reading! The whole series is amazing and should be read actually.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this boo,k 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.

When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma is a fictional story based on a fire that destroys the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin on October 8, 1871. It is part of a multi author six book series that you definitely don't want to miss if you love stories written about true historical events.
A promising painter Mariah Randolph is left blind from injuries sustained in the fire but finds friendship and help to start painting again from the railroad’s bookkeeper, Jay Franklin who found discrepancies in the railroad's books. Now they are in more danger from Hollis Stanford, the heir to the railroad, than they ever were from the fire that destroyed the city and so many lives.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Christian writer Liz Tolsma is best known for her WWII novels, most which highlight the struggles and courage of ordinary people living through the war. But lately she has been branching out to other historical topics. Her latest novel WHEN THE SKY BURNED is part of the DAY TO REMEMBER series, and is centered around the October 8,, 1871 fire which destroyed all of Peshtigo, WI and the surrounding area known as the Sugar Bush. While most of the US is familiar with the smaller fire in Chicago on that same day, most are unfamiliar with the Peshtigo fire unless like Tolsma (and myself) you are a Wisconsin resident. At the time, northern Wisconsin was booming due to its immense virgin forests. Months and months of timber cutting for laying new railroad lines and for the towns woodenware business (barrels, crates, trunks) left piles of discarded branches, dry pine needles, and sawdust. Add in a drought, high heat, and strong winds and the entire north was ripe for fire. Had there been no fire, Peshtigo may have grown to be one of Wisconsin's larger cities; instead it remains a small town who has chosen to honor its past. I can recognize in the details of Tolsma's story that she has researched at the Peshtigo museum, a place I visited just a few years ago. And the author has done an excellent job in making the horror of that October night come to life. Main character Mariah is excited about her upcoming marriage to Chicago railroad executive Hollis Stanford, but truthfully it is the prospect of having her art displayed in city museums that thrills her. She knows her union iwth Hollis is more about providing his young daughter with a mother than it is about love. But then she learns something disconcerting about his activities, but before she can process her suspicions, the fire happens and her life is forever changed. I give this book 5 stars for both telling a story of faith (and romance) but also for teaching readers about the horrific Peshtigo fire in a way that honors both all that died and those that survived.

This was another interesting disaster story about a fire, maybe even a firenado, that happened in the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. I had not heard of this fire before that took so many lives, likely because it was overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire that happened around the same time. That was fascinating to me and just goes to show how the right environmental conditions like wind and dryness can bring so much devastation to people.

This was a story of a young woman who is an artist and is capturing the beauty of the wildfires. She is happily engaged to be married later in the year and things seem to be going along smoothly. Until news that is just as devastating breaks out after the fire that has already changed her life forever. While reading this story, I felt the looming smoke and the choking conditions and knew things were going to get worse before getting better. I just didn't know how worse things would get for our poor heroine. However, there is always hope, even in the ashes.

My thanks to the author for bringing this story to life and giving us a peak at a little known, yet devastating fire.

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.

I thought this was a well written and well researched story. I have enjoyed reading the books in this series and learning more about times and places that I didn’t know about. I love how the authors transport us to these times and places and help us to understand what people would have gone through during and after these events. I liked the characters in this story and how the author helped us to feel compassion for their pain and want some good to come out of this tragedy. I also liked how the romance progressed between the main characters and how everything was resolved. If you are looking for a good historical fiction based on real events then this is the book for you.

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 Sky Burned is book 6 in the A Day to Remember Series. This amazing read is written by Liz Tolsma. I have really enjoyed this series. I love learning about lesser known events that have affected our nation. This book might be my favorite in the whole series. In this story readers are transported back to October 8, 1871. I love how this author can bring history to life from the pages.

Mariah Randolph is an up and coming painter. She has dreams about having her work displayed in museums. She has been painting the sky with the background of the fires that are burning outside their village. No-one is taking the fire seriously she realizes. She is hoping that fiancé Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. However, it becomes known that Hollis may be involved in some shady dealings. When the fire closes in and burns the city, Mariah is injured and loses her site as a result. Even more devastating she learns that Hollis is not the man she thought he was.

Bookkeeper Jay Franklin starts to realize that Hollis may have been embezzling from the company. However, when he is trying to bring this to light, Hollis belittles Jay and tries to turn it around on him. However, due to the fire, so much more is at stake.

I had not heard of this fire. I have heard about the great Chicago fire, but not this specific one. The author did careful research to ensure that this story comes to life. Well written, engaging characters and God's love and mercy reigning through.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

I had heard of the great Chicago Fire in my history class but I’d never heard of the little town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Their town was completely destroyed by fire. Liz Tolsma did a great job of telling the story of this little town and how it affected all there. Characters were fictionalized but brought to life among the pages. I grew to care about their situations and the overall outcome. I was also appalled by the selfishness of one particular character among all the tragedy. I wanted to know the overall outcome so it was a quick read for me. This was a wonderful installment in the A Day to Remember series. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

“Disaster, though, rarely announces its arrival. Rather, it bursts through the door and refuses to leave until it has finished ravaging everything and everyone inside.”

This whole series by Barbour, A Day to Remember, is one of calling to remembrance great American disasters that many have never heard of. Liz Tolsma’s novel, When the Sky Burned, book six, is certainly an enlightening, faith-based, romantic and compelling story about the Peshtigo, WI fire of 1871.

When we first meet Mariah Randolph, she is a talented, aspiring painter in the small town of Peshtigo, painting the skies colored by the fires surrounding the village. No one is especially worried about the fires at this time, going about business as usual in the small railroad town.

Unfortunately, the bookkeeper for the railroad, Jay Franklin, is worried. But he is worried about discrepancies he is finding in the railroad’s books, and his boss, Hollis Stanford, accuses Jay of making mistakes and belittles him. Hollis is the son of the railroad owner and is engaged to a friend of Jay’s, Mariah. Unfortunately, the ugly side Hollis shows Jay is not what Mariah sees. She sees Hollis’s very wonderful six-year-old daughter who needs a mother and lofty promises of grandeur and art gallery showings.

Just as Jay begins to gather physical evidence against Hollis, the fire engulfs the town. The tragedy is unthinkable. I won’t describe it here, but it can be a little difficult to read. (Interestingly enough, this Peshtigo fire killed thousands in a town of only 7,000. This compared to the Great Chicago fire, which occurred the same night, but whose victims, though as precious, numbered only in the hundreds.)

The fire changes everything. Hollis’s true nature begins to emerge as he attempts to cover up his gambling debts and deceit and selfishness. Hollis’s daughter is sweet, but is beginning to have a change in personality as she undergoes all the trauma surrounding the fire. Mariah has suffered horribly, losing people near and dear to her, and losing the one ability she values as essential to her painting. Her faith teeters. “Why would God allow such misery to befall us all? Where was He on that terrible night? What did we do to deserve His judgment?”

Some characters in this book are so much less than they present themselves. Some surprised me in this regard. Some seem to rise from mediocre or average to far above by their choices. As Stanford, Sr., tells Jay, “It’s a daily choice that I make to walk with the Lord. Prayer and studying His Word help a great deal.”

I loved the character of Angelina. I felt so badly for her. Hollis barely knows her. “No matter what kind of person he is, every little girl deserves affection from the first man in her life.” I would amend this to say, every little girl *desires* the attention and affection of the first man in her life, whether he is a good man or not.

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


Notable Quotables:

“I suppose if you shy away from doing what is right out of fear of the consequences, then you have lost your integrity and have compromised it for an easier path. By definition, integrity acts despite what might happen.”

“The path of righteousness is a narrow one, fraught with stumbling blocks and obstacles. God never promised it would be simple or would come without pain.”

“They were his friends, these numbers. His constant, always either right or wrong. There were no gray areas, no shades of black and white. No in between.”

“But she hadn’t brought her cares and sorrows to the one who understood. She hadn’t sought refuge or solace within her heavenly Father’s arms.”

“Don’t be sad, even though it’s hard not to be. Nanny says that Jesus is always with us. Like even when Papa has to go away. When Mama died. Sometimes I get afraid, but then I remember Jesus is next to me. I like that.”

My parents grew up in Wisconsin. My dad was born and raised on a dairy farm near Hayward. My mom's family moved to Green Bay from the mission field in the tropics when she was 12 or 13. Obviously Wisconsin has a special place in my heart.

I have enjoyed every one of the "A Day to Remember" series that I've read. When the Sky Burned is no exception. It's an event I knew nothing about, even with my parental ties to Wisconsin. To think that it occurred at the very same time the Great Chicago Fire did is rather mind-blowing.

When the Sky Burned is a moving story, and will remain with you long after you've finished reading it. It portrays how people react differently in the aftermath of great disaster. Some are selfish and only look after their own interests, while others reach out to help in any way they can those who've been impacted.

Mariah and Jay both lose so much, yet lean on God, and sacrificially put others before themselves.

"Even if He would have stripped away everyone and everything from her, she would still have Him. And that was enough."

If you enjoy historical fiction based on true events, with a touch of romance and a large dose of faith, you will definitely want to grab your own copy of When the Sky Burned!

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

This takes place in Peshtigo, a very poor town in Wisconsin, on October 8, 1871. This is where one of the worst fires of all time happened, with so many killed and complete destruction of the entire town. Mariah was engaged to marry the wealthy son of the man who was building the railroad running through the area. There were secrets she was unaware of and then the fire happened. It took everything she had except her sister and her longtime friend Jay. A heartbreaking, intense story that makes it nearly impossible to put down. Beautifully told and very real. You will definitely be moved, and it will leave an impression.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#WhenTheSkyBurned #LizTolsma #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #BarbourFiction #ChristianHistoricalRomance

I have really enjoyed this series, introducing me to little known disasters. I like how Tolsma has woven a very good story around the facts of the devastating fire. Issues covered in this novel include recovering from grief and facing the effects of gambling addiction. The main theme is recovering from losing everything, from possessions to friends and including one's passion. Tolsma has done a good job of creating the characters. Some are brave and caring while others are selfish and self centered. We readers see how a disaster brings out the true character of people.

This is a good addition to a series that draws our attention to often overlooked disasters. Even though this fire was more deadly than the one in Chicago, that they happened at the same time means this fire is much less known. I appreciate Tolsma bringing it to our attention and explaining the facts about it in her Author's Notes. It reads well, the relationship aspects making the plot interesting and more pleasant than just reading the history of the disaster.

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