When the Flames Ravaged is a window into an event in history that is equally as horrifying as it is unknown. This story is vivid and raw, with a redemptive thread running throughout. I cried multiple times. I cannot wait to read more by this author!

A masterful blend of historical fiction and emotional depth set against the backdrop of the tragic Hartford circus fire of 1944. It is a tale that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Rich in historical detail the narrative brings the era to life with vivid authenticity.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was surprised at how much this story gripped me. While this story is about a tragedy, it is full of hope and discovering God in the midst of suffering and deciding how much you believe. I was fully invested in these characters and stayed up way too late to see the ending, which was so sweet. I felt the author did a really good job with the sensitive subject.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is enlightening for young adults to senior citizens. This book took me back to the times in the early 50's when my parents took me to the circus. The author illustrates what went on behind the "Big Top" and the struggles that were faced by those who worked in "The Greatest Show on Earth." The plot moves along nicely, and the characters are relatable. I especially liked the way the author used descriptions. To some, they may seem trite. But they made me smile thinking about a time when people talked like that. But don't stop reading at the end of the story. The author explains how she based each character on the real people that were involved and victimized by the great fire of 1944. I'm going to investigate some of the nonfiction books to understand what happened to the great circus.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest opinion.

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster Rhonda Dragomir takes us on in When the Flames Ravaged!

Flawed characters are forced to work together as tragedy strikes the town.
Evelyn has already faced so much grief and hardship in her life.
Haunted by his past, Hank is always looking over his shoulder, afraid his past will find him.
Can they survive yet another traumatic event?

I both love and am grieved that this novel is based off of true events. Rhonda Dragomir did an incredible job bringing history to life as we read this tale of tragedy! I'm anxious to read more in this series.

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

This is a fictional book based on the tragic fire that took place at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1944. Join World War II Gold Star widow, Evelyn Benson, as her brother and sister-in-law die in the fire and she searches for her young niece and nephew. A reluctant clown, Hank Webb, plays a large part in helping Evelyn in her search and facing his own past. I found this story very interesting and cannot imagine living through such a tragedy. I received a complimentary copy of When the Flames Ravaged from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

I absolutely love reading historical fiction books. And this new series is a very different aspect of that genre. Focused on American disasters that “transformed landscapes and multiple lives,” they each bring to life a different tragedy. While part of a series, you can read each one as a standalone. The faith aspect is an excellent addition to the storyline. I learned a lot about the fire that ravaged the Barnum & Bailey Circus tent while stopped in Hartford, Connecticut. The characters are well developed and you will find yourself invested in the story and the lives of those affected by this particular disaster. There is a taste of romance, but it is not too syrupy and the drama and focus on how each of the characters dealt with their various struggles. From being a WWII war widow to hiding out from punishment of a crime committed as a circus performer, you will see how they struggle to deal with their trauma and yet discovering a faith-filled way to survive. As you are sucked into the words on the pages, you can actually hear the excitement of those attending the circus and smell the popcorn and food that is offered. What an emotional journey through the pages. As the second book in A Day to Remember series, this is again a book that will stay with me long after I have absorbed the last word on the last page and closed the book with a sign. This is definitely a series you will want to put on your to-be-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Another lifechanging event that I knew nothing about. This book brings this fire to life as you process with the beloved characters.

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.