Lauralee Bliss contributes the fifth installment of the Day to Remember series with "When the Avalanche Roared". In chronicling the events of the 1910 Wellington, WA avalanche and its tragic consequences, Bliss seamlessly blends fact and fiction to create a compelling tale.

Privileged Lillian Hartwick and humble, uneducated Griffin Jones make an unlikely pair, and matches like this seldom happen. However, Lillian's unassuming manner and Griffin's generous spirit help bridge the gap. Griffin is relentlessly bullied, but he weathers the taunts; his devotion to God helps him tremendously, yet for the reader it is heartbreaking to witness his treatment. Lillian proves to be much more than an empty-headed socialite. Secondary characters are multifaceted and interesting, as well.

Bliss pulls no punches in depicting the disaster. After all, the avalanche along with its aftermath was not unicorns and rainbows. The author has done extensive research here. Her prose is rich and descriptive. I enjoyed this novel, and in addition, learned of this avalanche and its historical significance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this novel.

When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss was a difficult and emotional read; I wasn't certain I could complete the book. Recent events in western North Carolina and northeastern Tennessee following Hurricane Helene brought this catastrophic event closer to the heart. Although a slow start, the development of the characters and setting led to a connection that might, otherwise, not have existed. I could visualize the characters, the town, and the events. These moments in history are remembered by reading the A Day to Remember series listed below.

Releases Jan. 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 is the fifth book in the amazing A Day to Remember multi-author series. I love this series whose stories bring to life lesser-known historical disasters. The event in this story is the deadly Avalanche of 1910 in the small village of Wellington, Washington. Ms. Bliss skillfully combines fact and fiction in this heartbreaking, emotion-packed story which is also filled with hope and faith. Through vivid, detailed descriptions, I could picture the destruction and feel the trauma of the event. This storyline differs from the others in the series in that the actual disaster does not appear until half-way through the book. The first half of the story focuses on the railway business, storm trapped railway passengers, and residents of Wellington (most of whom were Great Northern Railway employees). By the time the disaster strikes, you are totally invested in the characters which heightens the impact and devastation of the event. The main characters socialite Lillian Hartwick and railway worker Griffin Jones are an unlikely match. I love the way they grow individually and how their romantic relationship develops during the tragedy. I especially appreciate the strong, encouraging faith message of hope and God’s sovereignty running throughout the story. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had not heard of the 1910 Wellington Avalanche prior to reading this book and was horrified to learn of what transpired in that town over a century ago. The author did an incredible job retelling this event, blending historical facts and people with her fictional characters to create a gripping tale that told of such utter devastation and heartache while yet offering glimpses of hope and strengthened faith. Lillian Hartwick, an engaged high society belle who came to Wellington to assist her cousin Elizabeth, and Griffin Jones, common laborer for the local railway, couldn’t appear more different which made this opposites attract romance all the more appealing. Griffin’s strong and comforting presence in the face of adversity and tragedy bound the two together emotionally and his strong faith and prayer life encouraged Lillian in her own spiritual walk. The avalanche tragedy forever changed people and caused them to think through what was most important to them. While it is hard reading about such terrible events, each of the authors in this series has done a wonderful job balancing the devastating tragedy while penning a tale filled with light and hope.

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

#whentheavalancheroared #lauraleebliss #barbour #adaytorememberseries #christianhistoricalromance #netgalley

“When the Avalanche Roared” tells a heart wrenching tale of tragedy, perseverance, courage, and love. This story helps the reader better understand the tragedy of the avalanche in Wellington and brings it into our knowledge here in modern times. Griffin and Lillian both grow and learn much through this story, and their struggles and learning are relevant to today. When tragedy strikes, be it a natural disaster, a health crisis, or some other traumatic event, our hearts and minds struggle to grasp how God could have allowed these things to happen to us. Ultimately, Lillian, Griffin, and all the other characters simply must trust that God has a plan. Even through tragedy, good can come. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical book, and would highly recommend it. I am eager to try other books from this series.

I requested a copy of this book for review, but the words shared here are only mine.

This novel was about an avalanche that destroyed two trains near the railroad town of Wellington, Washington in 1910. I was disappointed as the novel was more focused on the life of a young woman and it took over half the book to even get to the said event. I have read other books in this series and felt they did a better job of detailing the disasters and were much more captivating.

I loved this wonderful fast paced adventure from page one. I finished it in a day it was so good.
I learned much and even looked up the event on Google. History is so interesting.
Each book in this series just keeps getting better and better.
Lillian's character.is certainly interesting. I've never met a character quite like her. But yet, in some ways I don't blame her for not wanting to leave the comforts of home.. I believe that God was called to use her in those places at that time. I admired her for that
This author has portrayed a wonderful job of pulling her readers into the past of what it might have like to experience those things.
5 stars for an amazing adventure. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Real history comes to life through characters who experience a tragic event in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The author brings a bit of hope from faith and friendship as the characters experience a horrific catastrophe in early March 1910. They work through their grief with deep spiritual questions and grow in their faith. I liked how the author intermingles the characters with real people in the story.

A genuine friendship develops into something tender and a romance forged in difficult circumstances adds a sweet ending. I liked Griffin most of all, and hoped he would be given a chance to prove himself.

A theme of forgiveness and redemption is a powerful message shown in one man's second chance at life. Being thankful and not forgetting how short life can be is also a good reminder.

This story has special meaning because it is set in an area not too far from where I live. Having driven through Steven's Canyon many times over the years, it made the history even more personal. I had never heard of this tragedy until recently. The history of the Great Northern Railroad in the area was interesting also.

Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian historicals based on real history, with a bit of clean romance.
4.5 stars

This is the 5th book in the Day To Remember Series, and this is Lillian Hartwick's story. She is a newly engaged woman, and rather bored, so decides to go to Wellington WA to stay with her cousin, whom is awaiting the birth of her first child, and is about to step into a new world for her. She has been born with the silver spoon, and now she is really about to rough it.

There are a lot of sad happening in this story, but then there are those whom come to faith, or have it renewed.

The avalanche really did happen, but the story and characters are fictional. The author does a good job of bringing the read alive.

There are a lot of life lessons that are given, and then the surprises!

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

When the Avalanche Roared is the 5th book in the A Day to Remember series which focuses on natural or manmade disasters in North America. I have read all of them so far--so I was obviously ready to learn more about this relatively unknown tragedy. It's weird that I lived in WA most of my life and never heard of this devastating event! It should be part of WA history.

The story takes place in the small town of Wellington, WA--not too far from Everett, WA. Wellington is more of a passing through kind of town. It's main purpose is to maintain the railroads going through the major Cascade tunnels.

The book begins a bit before the actual disaster as we meet Lillian and Griffin. Lillian is in Wellington to help her cousin Elizabeth who is expecting a baby. She is from a wealthy family in Everett and "engaged in name only" to the president of a timber company. She's dissatisfied with how she feels about her future fiancé and was only all to happy to leave for awhile when he goes out of town. But Wellington isn't what she thought; neither is the shack her cousin lives in. What is a society woman like her going to do in this backwoods town?

Griffin works for the railroad as a hauler and general do whatever. He is made fun of daily by a group of co-workers and considered stupid because it became known that he doesn't know how to read. But he's a hard worker and puts his all into keeping his head down and doing his best. When Lillian arrives he is overcome by her beauty--but knows a "dummy" like him doesn't stand a chance. But he still tries to help her out whenever he can and enjoys getting to know her.

Over the course of the days/weeks, it ends up with Lillian helping out at the post office and over time helping him learn how to read. He desires to read the Bible and although she doesn't have the kind of faith that he does, she helps him.

Then the disaster hits.

As you can imagine, this is a predictable ending--guy doesn't think good enough for girl. Girl leaves. ect ect ect.

This one didn't hit me as much with the emotion. It seemed more light in reading. But there are messages of faith woven in throughout the book.

I mostly enjoyed learning about the disaster over anything else. I always read the Author Notes at the end of these books to learn more.

3 Stars

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

WHEN THE AVALANCHE ROARED by LAURALEE BLISS is a novel in the historic North American disasters series, which will keep you rivetted as you follow Lillian Hartwick and Griffin Jones in their fight to save the people affected by the devastating avalanche that hit the small railway community,of Wellington. The characters are very well portrayed, especially as we see how the rather spoilt Lillian, who is marking time until she marries her rich and self important fiance, settles into a much simpler way of life as a companion to her pregnant cousin Elizabeth. I like to see her compassion for her new friends, and the way she teaches Griffin, the gentle giant to read, and keeps the people who are stranded on the trains, especially the children, occupied. I also like the strong Christian message of hope running through the story……
I cannot recommend this inspiring book strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This was a book I had a hard time putting down. Grab your blanket because it will make you feel cold. Lillian and Griffian made such a great team. I definitely appreciated the Christian views weaved into the book. Beth did a beautiful job highlighting the hope out of a tragedy. I’d never heard of this avalanche and it happened just a couple hours drive from where I live. The story and the characters pulled me in and held on tight. My only complaint is that I felt the story could have been longer. Give me more! The romance was a bit flat as well. Sort of an instant love at the end. I would have appreciated more lingering glances and subtle touches. But the overall story was perfection and I wouldn’t change it.
Trigger warnings: natural disasters, infants and children and spouses dying.

Restless, engaged, and well off, Lillian is sent to a rugged, small town to help out her pregnant cousin.
She finds herself slowly drawn to a gentle giant who helps keep the railroad tracks clear.
When a train is trapped because of a seemingly endless snow storm, the characters of train passengers become living people, worried and confined.
An act of nature in the form of an avalanche buries the train and the aftermath is unfathomable.
Questions of why resound throughout the area and within the families who lost loved ones in the train cars. The author does a great job of guiding the reader through the whys and guilt.
Lots of history combined with real questions make this an excellent read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This book is part of a series called A Day to Remember which features novels about historic North American disasters that changed landscapes and multiple lives. This particular disaster takes place in the Cascade Mountains of Washington in 1910. After record snowfalls followed by warm rains, the worst avalanche in US history took place, killing 96, with only 23 survivors.

Bliss does an excellent job of bringing the little railroad town of Wellington to life in the winter months before the disaster so that the reader experiences the blizzards, the avalanche and the rescue efforts through the eyes of her two main characters, Lillian and Griffin, as their lives are changed forever. I appreciated her treatment of all the questions of why God allowed such a thing to happen, who was to blame, and how it affected the people who lived through it.

It’s not an easy book to read, but it’s definitely worth reading.

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