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.

Wow! This book was, well I’m almost at a loss for words.

It was incredibly well written and I was unable to put it down. I had tears in my eyes at several points throughout.
I was very invested in each character.

The spiritual aspect of this was well done as it explored the big question of why God allows such horrific things to happen.

The relationship development was well done and not in a common predictable way. One of the best books I have read recently.

I loved this read, sadly although fiction, this is based on facts, and please read the author's notes as she updates on the real people that were affected.

This is WWII time, and what a treat to have the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus come, it's all anyone can talk about! The author features the family of Evelyn Benson, a Gold Star Widow, she now lives with her brother and his wife, and daughter and son! Life is hard and money is tight, but this family is going to the circus.

Hank Webb is running from God and his past, and he is Fraidy Freddy, and he does have real reasons to be afraid!

The unimaginable happens that night, and then more and more nightmares, I really can't imagine!

Through out this story people of faith are put in these hurting put in their path, and we journey along with them through the turmoil!

How everything works out is a page turner, and the author gifts us with an epilogue!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.