When the Avalanche Roared is the latest installment in Barbour Publishing's A Day To Remember series featuring historic North American disasters. This fictionalized account of the 1910 Wellington, Washington avalanche that killed ninety-six people sticks closely to the historical record of the event. While some books in this series jump right into the disaster, this one uses the first ten chapters to develop the fictional story of Lillian and Griffin. This author's writing style is simple and straightforward, however she is still adept at character and scene development. The plot is believable and flows smoothly. Although the negative impact of such a horrific disaster is not minimized, the good that comes from people coming together to support the community and one another softens that impact in the story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When the Avalanche Roared from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

When the Avalanche Roared
by Lauralee Bliss
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: A Day to Remember, Book 5
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “The Day Hope Seemed Swept Away. Enjoy a 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.
Lillian Hartwick has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway while enduring taunts from other workers, has tried his best to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is engaged and waiting her fiancé’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devastating avalanche, sweeping two trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors. In the midst of the catastrophe their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?”

Impressions: I really enjoyed this historical romance. Knowing all along that this event really took place was terrifying. I cannot imagine the cold oppression the mountains of snow must have felt like, but this book sure did have my imagination firing. The characters were easy to understand, and the plot was easy to follow. It was an enjoyable and memorable story to read despite the horrific event.

Quotes: “‘When you can do nothing else, dear Lillian, you can always pray for your intended, that he may be guided by peace and God’s will in all things.’”

“Psalm 23 is my favorite. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ When you got Him leading you, you don’t need nothing else.’”

“‘It’s not easy to admit weakness and then try to strengthen it. But I think if you continue to practice, you could be reading the Bible by spring.’”

“‘This is the truth. We don’t know. But the railroad is working day and night. God is our refuge and strength, Lillian. Our help in trouble.’”

“‘Don’t you know? They that wait on the Lord renew their strength and will mount up with wings like eagles. I just wrote in my diary today that we are trusting in God to save us. It’s all we can do now.’”

“‘I sure was an angry old man then. Even if he and I are the same age. Hate makes you old.’”

“But there is something about a disaster that brings people together when the days are filled with heartache and grief. In the end, they and us find a reason to ‘give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18).”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

5 stars, People Coming Together

WHEN THE AVALANCHE ROARED (A DAY TO REMEMBER SERIES, BOOK 5)
by Lauralee Bliss

This series is about more obscure historical events, each of the events have an engaging story guaranteed to draw you in. Highly enjoyable series.

The novel is about a tremendous avalanche that took place in Wellington, Washington in 1909, with a charming story woven around the devastation.

Lillian Hartwick is recently engaged to lumber baron, but Anthony Travers, is a driven man and he abandons his new fiancé to go make another lumber deal.

Lillian decides to leave her family's home in Everett, Washington and travel by train to Wellington, Washington to help out her cousin Elizabeth who is quite pregnant, but her husband Clyde is tremendously busy working the rotary snowplows to free the trains from the never ending snow.

Griffin Jones is a railway worker, a "jack of all trades," working wherever he is needed.

The town of Wellington is dependent upon the railroad, that brings visitors and employees to their humble town.

I really liked Griffin. He was ridiculed mercilessly by several other railroad workers, but rather than feeling sorry for himself, he set his sights higher and used his faith to see him through.

Lillian doesn't want to be controlled by the conventions of society. She takes a part time job as a postmistress, while she and Elizabeth are waiting for the baby to arrive. I have a fondness for postal employees, especially historical ones.

Highly recommend this book. Perfect for anyone seeking #adventure #historicalevents #inspirational #ChristianFiction

...Cascade Cement... I had not heard of that before, priceless!

I received a complimentary copy of #WhentheAvalancheRoared from #BarbourPublishing #BarbourFiction #NetGalley I was under no obligation to post a review.

#ADaytoRememberSeries #FavoriteBooks #LauraleeBliss #strongfemaleprotagonist #standaloneinaseries #standalone

Imagine having a nightmare where a hand is reaching out from a quagmire and you cannot help. So many questions when a tragedy occurs - does God care, does He understand? Yes He does!

Lillian has grown up in luxury so learning to keep house, cook and more are all new experiences for her. However, when her cousin needs help, she leaves her life of plenty and rides the train from Everett, WA to Wellington, WA, a small railroad town in the Cascade Mountains. Then winter comes with snow, snow and more snow. However will she survive until she can return to civilization - or does she even want to return? On February 28, 1909 her whole world changed.

An early copy of this Day to Remember was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

In When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss, the cold, ruthless nature of the avalanche is more than a day to remember — it’s a fierce reminder that faith is forged in the most brutal of storms. This story asks you to witness a disaster and it invites you to walk through the wreckage with the characters, grappling with whether faith can stand firm when the world around you is buried under the chaos and danger.

Griffin caught my attention right away. He’s not your typical hero with a cape or a grand gesture. Instead, he’s a quiet, hardworking man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. And yet, there’s this steady, unshakable peace about him. When the avalanche hits, it’s as if his faith, honed through years of hardship, becomes the only thing that doesn’t crumble under the weight of snow and chaos. It’s not about being fearless. It’s about trusting God despite fear. Griffin’s motto seemed to be something like: Don’t ask for an easy road, ask for a faithful heart.

Then there’s Lillian, who starts out unsure of where she belongs. She’s caught between a life she thought she wanted and a connection with Griffin that she’s not sure she’s ready for. Her spiritual journey throughout the book is about finding her voice, her purpose, and her trust in God when she’s been left in the dark. As she faces the avalanche of uncertainty in her life, it reminded me that faith isn’t always about having a clear path ahead. Sometimes, it’s about choosing to take the next step, even when you can’t see the whole picture.

This book goes beyond surviving the avalanche; it’s about the fierce reckoning that follows and how real faith endures. How do you rebuild? How do you keep going when the ground is unstable, and every day feels like it could fall apart? Griffin and Lillian’s relationship doesn’t happen because of some grand romantic moment—it grows because they learn to trust each other, trust God, and their faith in Him in the midst of everything falling apart. The wreckage leaves physical scars and carves out spaces in their hearts where they find something so much deeper than amazingly courageous survival.

What I really loved about When the Avalanche Roared was how Lauralee Bliss took this historical event and didn’t just let it be a plot point. She used it as a mirror for the characters’ personal avalanches—their doubts, fears, and struggles. There’s this rawness to how faith is shown here: it’s not clean, it’s not always pretty, but it’s real. Lillian’s growth is a perfect example of this, as she comes to terms with the avalanche inside her own heart—the one that’s been blocking her from embracing her own faith, her own purpose. It echoes the truth of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

There’s a raw, unyielding kind of strength that rises from the rubble of disaster—and from facing the storm inside yourself, when the snow piles so high it swallows everything you thought you knew, and all that’s left is the deafening roar of loss. When the Avalanche Roared is about standing tall and fixing your eyes on Jesus when everything you once trusted is buried beneath fear and grief. This story slams home the truth that, in the crushing weight of life’s avalanches, the one thing you can cling to—the one thing that never crumbles under pressure—is God.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing 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 story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Looking for a historical fiction based on a tragic historic event? You've found it! Take a trip to a small Colorado mountain town. Lillian just arrived to help her cousin. As she adjusts to mountain small town life, she discovers more about herself every day. But when an avalanche causes a tragic accident, Lillian finds what kind of perseverance she really has. Will she want to ever go back to her old life?

I like reading about historical events. This was a quick read. Thanks #netgalley

Barbour has such great series and this one, A Day To Remember, is so informative. The story of the avalanche in Wellington, Washington in 1909 was one that I had not heard of. But through the author’s words, I was taken back to a small, remote town covered in snow and I connected with the people who went through the catastrophe. What started out as getting to know the inhabitants, grew in anticipation of the event and continued with not only the avalanche but the aftermath and rescue efforts. Through it all, Ms Bliss wove a story of wavering faith that was recovered and a sweet romance between Lillian and Griffen that was based on mutual respect, love and purpose rather than obligation and material advancement. She also used the stories of a few real people who survived the event.
If you are looking for a story that tugs your heart and increases your knowledge, then try this one out.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

When the Avalanche Roared is part of the A Day to Remember series by Barbour books. I've been enjoyed the series they've had been releasing the past few years and the subject matter they've been covering. I think the historical fiction books are so informative.

When the Avalanche Roard is Book 5 of "A Day to Remember" series written by Lauralee Bliss. Lillian Hartwick goes to Wellington, Washington, a small mining town, so she can be of assistance to her cousin who is expecting, but her husband is often away on the railroad. She befriends Griffin Jones who also works on the railroad & while getting to know him finds that the feelings that are developing between them do not compare to the feelings she should have for her mostly absent fiance. When a horrific storm causes an avalanche that takes two trains & the people on it down into the vally, Lillian, Griffin & the residents of the small town band together in the frigid cold to search for survivors. It's a very emotional book with characters you won't soon forget. They are all faced with an unbearable situation and faith is what will help them all survive. I received a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

Lillian Hartwick grew up in a privileged home in Everett, Washington and will marry lumber baron Anthony Travers. When she travels to Wellington to assist her expectant cousin, she is shocked by the poverty Elizabeth lives in. She meets gentle giant Griffin Jones and teaches him to read. She works at the post office, wondering what her mother and fiancé would think of her common labor.
Griffin is a man of faith, which makes it curious that he hopes for a relationship with the engaged Lillian.
The avalanche changes the survivors and Lillian must make decisions.
Favorite line: What’s impossible for us to understand is possible for God.

Wow! Sometimes reading stories based so closely on real life can be hard. This book was so well researched and written though. You felt the frustration, fear, anger, and eventual hope and love right along with the characters. I enjoyed Lillian and Griffin and many other’s there in Wellington too.
I appreciated Lillian’s growth in her relationship with God and that Griffin helped her in that journey. I loved that she taught him to read because he wanted to read his mother’s Bible.
Favorite line: “We do the best we can to meet each day with our heads held high, prayer on our lips, and a song in our hearts.”
This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

** “When you got Him leading you, you don’t need nothing else.” **

Lauralee Bliss continues the A Day to Remember series, about actual devastating historical events, with “When the Avalanche Roared.”

Leaving her timber baron fiance behind, Lillian Hartwick travels to the secluded Wellington, Wash., to assist her cousin Elizabeth Hanks, who is about to give birth. With winter rolling in fast and furious, the little railway town strives to keep the tracks clear for any incoming trains, as Lillian finds a niche helping out in the town as they wait for the impending birth.

Rail worker Griffin Jones works hard and has a kind heart, but is disrespected by his co-workers because he can’t read. When his eye is caught by the pretty new addition to town, he strives to better himself and his prospects.

But when a horrific avalanche strikes on March 1, 1910, everyone must come together to try to both rescue and recover the avalanche’s victims.

Bliss offers a devastatingly raw fictionalization of an actual disaster, including some true-to-life characters. She reveals what led up to the incident, and the aftermath, ripping open deep emotions.

She creates great characters, and includes many great themes, like turn the other cheek; we all need help; God understands; “hate makes you old”; trials can make love grow stronger; no money or prominence can bring peace; what is impossible to us is always possible to God, so give it over to Him; and God is our refuge and strength, offering ever-present help.

Fans of historical fiction and inspirational stories, especially about brave women, will enjoy “When the Avalanche Roared,” which is due out Jan. 1.

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss is the first book I’ve read of hers. I was immersed in her lovely writing right away. She pulled my imagination in and didn’t let go. This is the 5th book in the multi-authored series, A Day to Remember. Each of the books takes true events of a natural or man-made disaster and mingles in fictional characters with real historical figures. I have devoured all of them so far and can’t wait for book 6.

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

When the Avalanche Roared is a novel based on an actual event. It happened in the winter of 1910 in
Wellington, WA. Wellington was a very small railroad town situated in the mountains. Heavy snow was expected to last throughout winter each year. Trains were delayed at times as tracks were cleared of snow and ice. In February of 1910 three trains were stuck in Wellington due to heavy snow and frozen rails. The passengers were full of hope on what was expected to be their last day in Wellington. Overnight rain came causing an Avalanche that tossed the trains down a ravine and coveted them in snow. Faith is tested as the workers dig to find and save as many as possible. The story is sad as many lives were lost but also it is a story of courage, resilience and faith. The question of why is one that cannot be answered as those left behind mourn and find new ways to move forward with their lives. I enjoyed this story, which I was not familiar with, as it shows hope is always a choice in seemingly hopeless situations.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was an eye opening story to read as I had never heard of this natural disaster. The author does a good job of delaying the tragedy but not dwelling in it and allowing hope to shine through. I enjoyed the different points of view from the main characters of Lillian and Griffin.


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

When the Avalanche Roared is a very well written historical romance. Great plot and character development. I definitely recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

When the Avalanche Roared is Lauralee Bliss' fictionalized account of the very real tragedy that took place on Mount Windy, Washington in 1909. This book along with others in A Day to Remember series has grabbed my heart about another horrific piece of American history. What a heartbreaking story. There is great sorrow here but there is also a testament to the spirit of courage, bravery and duty that friends and neighbors hold for one another and strangers in their midst.
Lillian Hartwick, restless after agreeing to marry Anthony Travers travels to be with her cousin for the birth of her first child. From a well-to-do family Lillian is shocked at the environment of Wellington, (changed to Tye in the years following the disaster) a railroad town in the Cascade Mountains.
Griffin Jones is a giant of a man. He is a railroad employee who helps keep the track system cleared of snow along with other responsibilities. Mercilessly plagued by co-workers who call him a "dummy" because he can't read, he hangs on to a deep faith in God to get through each day.
When these two very different people are called on to help during the stormy shut-down of three trains they work to keep travelers comfortable. When the avalanche takes place, it is a disaster beyond measure. Will they survive?
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. It is an incredible story. Knowing that it is based on the true and heartbreaking natural disaster that sweeps three trains away like toys is intense. The author did a wonderful job in my opinion as she introduced us to characters that we can come to care about, watch as they grow in character, and fight natural elements to survive. As sad as it is, she also handled the immensity of the disaster without being graphic as to injuries and death. Griffin is an excellent lead male character. I like how Lillian progresses from a kind yet spoiled 'rich' girl to a hardworking young woman of strength and character. The near shattering of faith and questions of why God allows things like this is also handled well in my opinion. This is a five-star read for me. The descriptive writing brought it to such a reality at one point I looked out the window to see if it was snowing. (I live in Maine)
I recommend this entire series. This is one disaster I did not know about.

Books about historical events have always fascinated me, so when I read the synopsis for 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙰𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍 I was immediately interested.

𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙰𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍 is set around the 1910 Wellington avalanche, the most disastrous snow avalanche in U.S. history, and follows the story of Lillian, a young woman unsure of her recent engagement, and Griffin, a railway worker facing his own struggles. This book is the fifth book in the series 𝙰 𝙳𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚁𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛, but it can most definitely be read on its own.

I will say I found the beginning a little slow, but it quickly picked up and I sped through the rest of the book. I thought the book was well-researched and well-written, it was nice and short, and I really enjoyed the historical aspect. Lauralee Bliss also did a great job writing about the avalanche. I think her writing really brought to life it’s magnitude and how tragic it was. I liked how she tied it all in with the message of faith and gratitude. Regarding Lillian and Griffin, I thought they were great protagonists. I especially enjoyed Lillian’s faith growth, and felt a lot of sympathy for Griffin’s struggles.

Overall, I’m really glad I picked this book up, and would recommend if you’re in the mood for a short historical book set during a natural disaster.

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

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