“Disaster rarely announces its arrival. Rather it bursts through the door and refuses to leave until it has finished ravaging everything and anyone inside.”
I am so glad this story has been told. For 11 years, I lived 38 miles from this small town, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and visited the tiny fire museum.
Ms Tolsma brought this horrific event to life after researching eyewitness accounts. She also spun a terrific love story that took place during this time. The characters of Mariah, Angelina and Jay were so realistic. Their story encompassed the tragedy and the aftermath with an added undercurrent of gambling, graft and embezzlement. The descriptions were riveting and Mariah and her paintings were fascinating.
Through it all, the story told of sustaining faith in the midst of dismal circumstances and showed that forgiveness and justice prevailed.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

When the Sky Burned is an emotional journey that lingers in your soul. Liz Tolsma takes you through the raw aftermath of loss, questioning, and restoration. Mariah’s blindness, both physical and emotional, becomes a mirror for the brokenness we all face at some point. Through her, I felt the weight of despair that asks, “Why, God, why?” yet also the quiet whisper of hope, still and sure, even when we can’t see beyond our circumstances.

In moments when all seems lost, the characters’ dependence on God becomes a lifeline. Jay’s strength, his subtle courage, reminds us that true faith isn’t about grand gestures—it’s in the quiet acts of supporting others, obeying and trusting God no matter the outcome.

This story is set against a disaster and it explores the greater devastation we all experience at some point: the shattering of our plans, our identity, our expectations. Yet in the wreckage, this talented author paints a picture of renewal. The faith content is woven deeply throughout as the foundation for these characters’ strength. It’s a story that entertain while it stirs, challenges, and transforms the reader into deeper reflection on God’s grace and sovereignty.

There’s beauty in the brokenness, and this book reminded me of the power of faith to heal wounds the way that only God can.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Set in Peshtigo, WI, this book tells the story of the Peshtigo Wildfire of 1871, that was overshadowed in history by a more famous fire that happened the same night - the Great Chicago fire. The Peshtigo Wildfire was the most deadly wildfire and destructive wildfire in history and Liz Tolsma did a great job researching this fire, little known outside of the State of Wisconsin. Events that are told in the story are true, but she tells the story through fictional characters. I was very intrigued by this story as I don't live that far from Peshtigo and find books based on Wisconsin (where I live) very intriguing.

Tolsma starts the book at the beginning of the fire, setting the stage for the event. Her story and characters are done well and she adds some mystery and intrigue into the book alongside the events of the fire. This book features mystery, a love triangle, strong friendships, devastating tragedy and a sweet romance. The characters also have historical roles and expectations that frame decisions made in the story. I like that the main female character Mariah is an artist, so much of the story is through her artist's eyes.

It is a faith-filled book, with Christian faith elements woven into it. There is a lot of loss in the book including loss of life. Though there is much devastation, the book has elements of hope in it keeping the story from being too heavy. Tolsma is a wonderful storyteller and she has written another excellent book. I found it interesting that she started writing this story over 20 years ago but it was redone and published now. I'm so glad it was able to make it to the market.

Thank you to Barbour books for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Prepare to be swept away by this enthralling historical novel! Set against the backdrop of a small Wisconsin town devastated by a catastrophic fire in 1871, this book offers a poignant exploration of resilience and transformation.

Liz Tolsma masterfully weaves a vivid narrative that draws you deep into the lives of the main characters, Mariah and Jay. Their journeys are not just tales of survival; they are heart-rendering stories of dreams shattered and reborn. While I occasionally found myself at odds with Mariah, her struggles and aspirations resonated deeply and helped bring this moment in time to life, painting a striking picture of a young woman's life irrevocably changed by tragedy.

If you're a fan of historical fiction sprinkled with romance and a dash of mystery, this book is a must-read.

Thank you Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of this lovely book!

I happened to start this book a short time after the devastating California wildfires took place. This story gave such a sobering glimpse into some of the things those people would have faced.
It's hard to even begin to imagine the horrific event that took place in Peshtigo. An entire town basically being wiped off the map. And then the aftermath. Winter was soon coming and the residents had lost everything! And to think of the trauma that they had to work through after surviving the fire.
A very interesting story that brought to life historical events!

*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is based off of an actual historical event with fictional characters. The author did a great job illustrating what happened during the Peshtigo Fire. She captured the fear and all the emotions, as well as the complete devastation of an entire town.

Even though the story may be a bit predictable, it was a great read. I always love reading and learning about different historical events, especially those that I am not familiar with. Even more so, I enjoyed the faith the author brought into the book. There's a great message that even though there's tragedy, there's hope.

I received a free complimentary copy through Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Why would God allow such misery to befall us? Where was He on that terrible night?

It had been a very dry year and fires frequently lit up the sky in the area around Peshtigo, Wisconsin - something Mariah, an artist, found absolutely fascinating to paint. The skies had so much color, it was almost easy to produce the most beautiful paintings. Her fiancé, Hollis Stanford, railroad tycoon, promised to bring them to an art gallery in Chicago. An anonymous note indicated that he was not all he seemed. There was money missing from the railroad books. What could that possibly mean?

October 8, 1871 was the day the wind changed and a horrible conflagration sounding like a runaway train raced through town, burning everything in its way. Surviving only due to a good friend, Jay Franklin, Mariah comes out completely changed. Would she ever be able to paint again?

This Day to Remember takes the reader right into what it might have been like - certainly not something any of us would want to experience. An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

“What was this when fire fell like snowflakes from the sky?”

Oh my goodness! It seems that everyone knows of the Great Chicago Fire but I had never heard of the fire that destroyed Peshtigo, WI the same night. This story is so well written, I felt the terror of the Peshtigo citizens. Wow! And thinking that for a month or more they could see flames, ash, and smoke. Even fought small fires started by cinders but they never evacuated. Just wow!
The danger and suspense are beautifully woven with the faith of the main characters. Mariah and Jay face struggles, loss, devastation, and physical injuries before, during, and after the fire. I enjoyed their budding relationship and happily ever after.
What I enjoyed the most in this story is the faith elements! Oh course, Mariah struggled with trusting God after what all she went through but we are given a believable journey of realization and renewed faith and dependence on God. All the mentions of God and prayer were very uplifting.

A few favorite quotes:
“Oh, Mariah. You have to fight. Your sister couldn’t stand to lose all of her family. I couldn’t stand to lose you.” He whispered the last sentence.

“I can’t tell which is more beautiful—God’s creation or yours.” “His is always infinitely better than mine, than any artist’s. We only form dim representations of His perfect work.”

“Believe in yourself, Mariah,” Jay said. “I always have.”

This ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

This was such a captivating read! I’m not sure what it is about me, but historical fiction with natural disasters always hits differently. This book tells a beautiful yet heartbreaking story about a small Wisconsin town consumed by flames in 1871, and how the survivors have to learn how to navigate a new world filled with both grief and betrayal.

Even with all the tragedy, the way the story built up was so well done. If you’re a fan of the whole acquaintances to friends to lovers and slow burn trope, you’ll definitely love this. Mariah and Jay’s relationship was beautiful to read. And the villain? Ugh, so annoying and infuriating, but in the best way possible! That’s how you know they’re a well-written villain.

One thing that really stood out during my reading was how much I wanted to roll my eyes at Mariah sometimes—she could be pretty frustrating! But then I reminded myself that I’m reading from a 21st-century perspective, and for her time (and women in general back then), those social rules were everything.

And finally, huge props to Liz Tolsma for creating such an immersive atmosphere. Her vivid descriptions of the scenery and the tragic event really draw you into the story and make it all feel so real.

When the Sky Burned is one of the best historical fiction stories I've read this year. The vivid descriptions of the fire's devastation and people's loss captured my attention. I couldn't stop reading and was amazed as each circumstance brought betrayal, secrets, and lots of unexpected action with a twist as I waited to see what would come next.

The author has woven historical details along with a heart-wrenching yet inspirational story. The characters are so well-fleshed out, stripped down to their flaws and strengths, that I couldn't help rooting for them. Young Angelina's plight brought tears to my eyes. Despite their losses, the main character's faith shines through, filling them with hope.

The ending wrapped everything up nicely. I highly recommend you read this one.
The author provided me with a complimentary copy; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

When the Sky Burned, Book 6 of "A Day to Remember" series by Liz Tolsma begins in Oct. 8, 1871 with Mariah Randolph, who appears to have it all - she's a talented painter, engaged to Hollis Stanford who is heir of a railroad tycoon & will be stepmother to his young daughter. Jay Franklin is a bookkeeper for the railroad & suspects Hollis is doctoring the books, but he has feelings for Mariah. When a deadly fire destroys the entire town along with any evidence, all hope seems lost. Jays evidence is gone, Mariah is left blind, but together they create a plan in spite of the danger and begin again in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Author Liz Tolsma has a writing style that really draws you in & you get the full experience of all the action, drama & intrigue. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma is book 6 in the Day to Remember series. I felt this would be a difficult read with the recent wildfires in California. Many events in this novel were eerily similar to the California events (and the wildfires in North Carolina in 2016). However, the novel is filled with messages of survival, hope, faith, and family. Each novel in the series is a standalone.

Releases Mar. 1st . I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Also available in the A Day to Remember series:
When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir
When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer
When the Mountain Crumbled by Angela K. Couch
When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss

This series by Barbour Publishing has been so informative and interesting.


I really enjoy books by this author and she does a great job telling stories. I particularly enjoyed how the story is told from the point of view of a variety of characters.

I only heard of the Chicago fire and not the fire in Wisconsin. Interestingly enough they both happened on the same day but the loss of life in Wisconsin was so much worse.

There were some parts that were predictable in the story but I still enjoyed reading and was interested in hearing the why's behind the different plotlines.

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

When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma is the the sixth book in the Day to Remember Series. Each novel is set during a specific tragic day in American history. This one is set during the railroad boom in Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

Mariah Randolf is engaged to a rich, important son of a railroad tycoon. As a wildfire burns near their town, she is happily planning her future as a wife, a mother to her fiance's six year old daughter, as well as a hopeful career as a painter. Her life is turned upside-down when a full scale fire spreads through the town. People are burned as they tried to escape and the entire town is destroyed. To make matters worse, Mariah loses her sight. How can she paint if she can't see?
Jay Franklin is an accountant for the railroad and he keeps finding money missing when he reconciles the books. He suspects Mariah's fiance, Hollis, of stealing money from his father's business. When all the evidence literally goes up in flames, Jay must find another way to expose Hollis before he ruins the company and destroys Mariah's heart.

I enjoyed When the Sky Burned very much. The characters are likable, except Hollis, the plot line is believable and moves at a good pace. I would recommend anyone to read this book. It has a strong theme of trusting God in the middle of impossible circumstances.

A small town. A devastating fire. Numerous lives greatly impacted. This American historical catastrophe is the foundation for the adeptly written novel, When the Sky Burned: October 8, 1871, by Liz Tolsma. Encompassed with endearing characters, immersing plot, and combined with themes of hope, faith, and purpose, this story is an intriguing page-turning read.

Fans of historical literature will be delighted to read this novel, full of descriptive scenes. When the Sky Burned is set during the 1870’s in Peshtigo, Wisconsin; a small town known for its vast lumber, woodenware, and sawmills that attracted numerous lumberjacks. The vast amount of wood, along with a period of rain drought, made a dangerous combination, as the town was at risk of a serious firestorm.

This intriguing story included mentionable individuals such as primary characters Mariah Randolph and Jay Franklin. Friends since childhood, both Mariah and Jay endure the devastating tragedy in Peshtigo. Mariah is a talented painter, whose life is on the cusp of perfection. She is engaged and soon to marry Hollis Stanford, the son and heir to the wealthy owner of a renowned railroad company, who has promised her a life of fame from her artwork, and a lifestyle of leisure full of lavish gatherings and wealth. After the disastrous fire, she succumbs to an unfortunate injury that shifts her life and leaves her questioning all she coveted prior to the tragedy. Engulfed with feelings of despair and hopelessness, Mariah ponders God’s purpose in the turn of events and must resurrect newfound hope through her faith in the Lord.

Jay is a timid and kindhearted gentleman, with intellectual skills with numbers. As an employee of Mr. Stanford’s railroad company as the accountant of the Peshtigo location, Jay discovers discrepancies with the finances and discovers Hollis’ involvement with the missing funds. This knowledge places him at odds with Hollis that threatens the future of Mariah’s impending marriage as well as his life. The catastrophe finds Jay with increasing endearment toward Mariah and more reliant on his faith in God to direct his next paths in life.

Isaiah 55:9 (ESV): For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Although a historical fiction novel, there was great inclusion of Christian faith content in the story, which makes it identified as Christian fiction as well. I was thrilled to see the immense faith content in the plot, which included the main characters described as believers who were often depicted praying, dependent on their faith in God, and maturing in their relationship with the Lord. Aside from the novel highlighting the historical catastrophe, the storyline centered on God’s mercy and the significance of His plans in the life of the believer. God’s infinite wisdom is rightly portrayed as superior to the human’s scope of understanding, as the character’s lives evolve to greater purpose despite unfortunate events.

A well-written novel that is medium paced with elements of inspiration, suspense, and romance, When the Sky Burned is an inspiring and hopeful story that I highly recommend to other readers.

Most everyone has probably heard of Mrs. O'Leary's cow and the great Chicago fire of 1871. Did you know that on the same day there was a devastating fire the wiped out small towns in Wisconsin? Peshtigo Wisconsin was a lumber town. The railroad had an office in town as they worked extend their lines through the area. For days they watched as fires lit up the sky in the distance. Then the wind changed directions and they were in the direct path. Many lost their lives and families were torn apart and devastated. Would they be able to recover and how would anyone left make a living?
I don’t want to give too much away but this book is well worth reading. There are several stories of characters, such as possible irregularities with the railroad, woven into the actual history that keeps the reader engaged.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

“𝙰 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚍𝚘 𝚘𝚏 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙴𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚣𝚣𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚂𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚊 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢.”

𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚔𝚢 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 by Liz Tolsma is a gripping historical fiction book set during the disastrous Peshtigo Fire, and is the last book in the A Day to Remember series. I read this in about two days, and found the premise and its historical events completely fascinating.

I have no idea why I haven’t heard about the Peshtigo Fire before. Considering that it was “deadliest wildfire in recorded history" with “the number of deaths estimated between 1,200 and 2,500”, you would think it’d be more well known. Unfortunately it was overshadowed by its contemporary, the famous Chicago Fire (which, of course, was awful but not nearly as deadly).

I can’t even start to comprehend the horror the survivors went through. If Mariah and Jay’s perspective is anything like what it was for them, then it truly is beyond comprehension. Talking of Mariah and Jay, I thought they were very compelling characters. Mariah especially went through so much, and all I wanted for her was to have a happy ending.

I’d love to discuss this book in more detail, but as it wasn’t very long I don’t want to spoil it.

I’d recommend 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚔𝚢 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 to anyone who enjoys books set around historical disasters.

*** 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚙𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢 & 𝙱𝚊𝚛𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝙵𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗.

When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma was book 6 of A Day to Remember series from Barbour Publishing. I. Couldn't. Put. This. Book. Down. The multi author series was based on true events with fictional characters weaved into each one. This story from 1871 in Wisconsin was so tragic and it happened the very same night as the great Chicago fire, which has overshadowed it for all these years even though this event was much worse. Yet the author builds hope as the characters turn to God, Who is ever faithful. This series was truly so well written and I'm so glad that I took time to read them all!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book goes into the details of another historical event I had never heard of. I really enjoyed learning about that event,
tragic as it was. I struggled a bit with the hero vs villain part of the story. I didn't know what would happen with the fire, but the other story lines were much more predictable.

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

Hope Amid the Ashes

I had heard of the Peshtigo fire from a previous historical novel I had read, so I knew what would be transpiring in the story. Even with that, the details were just as painful to read a second time in this expertly crafted story of great loss and hope amid the literal ashes. A dry summer in the small lumber town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin had promising artist Mariah Randolph painting scenes of the continually burning fires, paintings she hoped would gain entrance into Chicago art galleries upon her marriage to railroad tycoon Hollis Stanford. When the fire turned into a full-scale conflagration that would destroy the town and many lives in the process, she began to question her purpose in life. After experiencing so much loss from the disaster, she had to depend on others to help her keep living, including her dear friend, Jay.

I loved how the author brought spiritual truths to the forefront, from survivors’ struggles with how could such devastation have been allowed to happen, to God’s great provision and promises to never leave or forsake his followers. The questions and prayers raised by the characters felt realistic and genuine and helped move them forward to a point of acceptance, increased faith, and hope. Main character Jay Franklin demonstrated great moral fortitude in his dilemma regarding railroad company secrets and personal issues, which highlighted his deepening faith while Mariah realized that she was ultimately never alone. Although stories of this nature can be hard to read, don’t miss out on the beautiful messages of hope and renewal to be gleaned within their pages.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required and these are my own and honest opinions.