When the Flames Ravaged: July 6, 1944

By Rhonda Dragomir

Book Overview

Will Faith Perish in the Big Top's Flames?

Introducing a new 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.

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 devastating blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn's hopes and Hank's anonymity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1636097863
• ISBN13: 9781636097862
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing Inc
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

History Brought To Life

Very impressive and emotional debut novel. I was emotionally invested from the get go as I met Evelyn and her giving and kind heart towards her family even though she is still navigating the grief of the loss of her husband. Her unwavering faith gets her through the valleys as a devastating circus fire changes her life. Not only hers but everyone who lost someone that day in 1944. I loved the historical account that is woven in with fictional characters that are based on some facts. The authors notes at the end were very enlightening and helpful. I felt like I was walking through this devastating journey with Evelyn and Hank as they grow and find the beauty amidst the ashes. Facing our fears can be difficult but Hank finds what he imagined and was running from was not as he thought. I was gobsmacked with this story as it was so well written and was one that gripped my heart. Grief is a hard road to navigate but with God all things are possible. This book is definitely worth reading, savoring, and placing on your keeper shelf to revisit like an old friend. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.