Liz Tolsma's latest novel, When the Sky Burned, is filled with intrigue that captivates readers from the first page. The story unfolds in the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin as it is ravaged by a devastating fire. In the midst of the chaos, the protagonist Mariah, a painter, uncovers hidden secrets that threaten to destroy her future. As she navigates the challenges of her relationship with her fiancé, who seems distant and unaffectionate, Mariah also grapples with unexpected feelings for an old friend.

With every chapter, the tension in the story intensifies, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth. In this fast-paced narrative, readers are taken on a journey through the aftermath of historical events in Wisconsin on October 8, 1871. Tolsma skillfully portrays the challenges of loss and the haunting remnants of a shattered life, immersing readers in vivid descriptions of the tragedy. Emotional ash stirs while hearts yearn for a resolution to the dilemmas.

Throughout the story, the undercurrent of faith resonates like a melody, leaving readers inspired by the unwavering strength and resilience displayed by the characters in the face of adversity. Love truly covers a multitude of sins. Definitely a worthwhile read to add to your TBR pile. I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have always heard about the Chicago fire, but never have I heard about this fire in Wisconsin which was more devastating and deathly than the Chicago fire.

I really enjoyed the characters which we have met. Mariah had a beautiful innocence to her who looked at the world with painters eyes. The tragedy she went through and her struggles and questions towards God felt raw, real and honest.

Jay was a strong and solid hero who everyone overlooked because he was always the quiet humble bookkeeper. The danger that threatened him in search of the truth kept this reader in suspense.

I really loved the ending though I was wondering if everyone will be able to get the happiness they deserve.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

I was unaware of the fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, that occurred at the same time as the Chicago fires in 1871. I could picture people trying to save their valuables while escaping a raging fire because I’ve seen it on TV. As I delved into this narrative, I experienced a range of emotions, including despair, hope, joy, and worry, all of which accompanied these remarkable characters.

Right now, we can see firsthand how devastating the fires in South and North Carolina are. We had previously witnessed the California wildfires. Amidst the chaos, this story follows one family as they try to unravel a mystery that will save their lives. It was intriguing to observe Jay's internal conflict as he sought evidence for both Mariah and him to survive. The fires made this project practically impossible to complete. Courage and the ability to create something beautiful from ashes, as well as faith, hope, forgiveness, and love, are major themes in this story.

We have all heard of the Great Chicago Fire, a conflagration that began on October 8, 1871, but few of us are likely to be familiar with the fire that consumed the village of Peshtigo in northeastern Wisconsin on that same day. Approximately three hundred people died in the Great Chicago Fire. Between twelve hundred and twenty-five hundred were killed in the Peshtigo fire. Exact numbers were impossible to ascertain as the extremely hot fires reduced many bodies to ash.

The fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin is the focus of the latest addition to Barbour Publishing's A Day to Remember series. It is written by Liz Tolsma. While the main characters are fictional, the details of the disaster are well-researched and accurately yet sensitively described. Mariah Randolph suffers great loss during the fire, loss beyond material possessions, and even beyond loss of loved ones. The story becomes one of reconciling faith and the hope and joy found in choosing to see God's blessings even in times of hardship.

Seeds of this story were planted in the author's heart and mind years ago. Now, readers will be blessed with the fully mature product of those seeds. When the Sky Burned is a story whose encouragement will linger on for some time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Mariah Randolph loves to express herself with beautiful paintings. Her dream is to have her artwork put on display in museums. She believes her fiancé, Hollis Stanford when he promises to make that happen. The widower is the son of a railroad tycoon. He has a darling little girl, Angelina, that Mariah looks forward to being a mother to.
Jay Franklin, the railroad's bookkeeper discovers that something is wrong in the company finances. He realizes that Hollis is responsible. During a confrontation a devastating tornado of fire hits Peshtigo and everything changes for the survivors.
I received this book via NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. This is my own opinion. This is an intense story written by Liz Tolsma, which is based on the terrible fire that devastated Peshtigo, Wisconsin on October 8, 1871. The author has done a respectful crafting of the disaster without being horribly graphic. I could picture the scenes in my mind. It is certainly an edge of the seat read. I couldn't put it down. I have enjoyed this series very much for its historic significance along with heart pounding storytelling. Mariah and Jay are memorable characters.
This is a strong 5 for me.

This story is about a real fire that overtook the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin im 1871. Mariah Randolph was an artist who lived with her parents in Peshtigo. Mariah was watching the smoke from the approaching fire as its colors changed and the smoke blew westward and she painted the scene.

Hollis Stanford, a wealthy businessman from Chicago whose father owned a railroad, came by the Randolph home to see Mariah and he praised her work and spoke of the home he was building for them in Chicago.

But Hollis had secrets, so did Mariah's father and the fire revealed them!

Devastation and destruction were all around Mariah and Jay. They could just give up or push through while in the Lord for His direction. They had to make a choice.

A truly sad account of such a horrific time in history. The story is so well written and captured my heart.

** “Nanny says that Jesus is always with us. … Sometimes I get afraid, but then I remember Jesus is next to me. I like that.” **

The Day to Remember historical disaster series continues with Liz Tolsma’s “When the Sky Burned,” the telling of the 1871 fire that completely devastated the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

While Mariah Randolph awaits the day she can marry Hollis Stanford, whose family is big in the railroad industry, she develops her artistic abilities, painting landscapes. As fires surround Peshtigo, she begins a series of paintings that reveal the different stages of the fires, all while the town struggles to save their town from flying embers.

Jay Franklin, Mariah’s friend and bookkeeper at the railroad office, finds some issues with the book’s numbers. Money seems to be missing, and he has a suspect.

But on the night of Oct. 8, 1871, a horrific, tornado-like fire strikes the town, destroying everything and killing most of the town. As Mariah faces incredible loss, including her sight, and Jay loses the theft’s proof, the two rely on each for support and help in overcoming their devastations.

Tolsma does an incredible job of fictionalizing a very real, very horrific event. She allows the reader to feel the stress and trauma of the event, as well as creating some both wonderful and horrible characters. She also fills the book with several great themes, like it’s sometimes hard to maintain righteousness (“The path of righteousness is a narrow one, fraught with stumbling blocks and obstacles. God never promised it would be simple or would come without pain”); Jesus is always with us, providing for our needs; “Through everything, God had remained faithful, even in the losses”; and disaster rarely announces its arrival, it just bursts in and ravages everything.

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

Five stars out of five.

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

The Peshtigo fires are a part of history I didn’t know about. I love learning about new things and Liz Tolsma put me right into the setting. I could feel the hot summer and smell the smoky burning air. I could feel the fear and terror during the fires. I enjoyed Mariah’s character growth and I appreciated that her life didn’t have an easy fix eyesight restoration type ending but instead she found a way to do what she loved still. Jay was a good character but honestly he was the one character I wish we had more from. He felt a bit flat to me. All in all I really liked this one. I read it quickly and learned a lot.

When I picked up this novel, I was not acquainted with devastating fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Occurring on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, this tragedy never received the attention that it deserved. The story line is woven around a young woman - Mariah Randolph, and a bookkeeper - Jay Franklin. Mariah is engaged to a wealthy socialite - Hollis Stanford - from Chicago whose father is a railroad baron. A controlling, self-centered man, Hollis has promised Mariah a gallery showing of her paintings once they marry and move to Chicago. When Jay, who has obtained help and employment from the elder Stanford, notices discrepancies in the railroad accounts, he seeks to gather evidence and enlists the help of Mariah. But then the unthinkable happens and everything is turned upside down. As the tragic fire sweeps through this Wisconsin town, a wake of devastation, heartache and loss follows. What will become of those left in its wake, will truth triumph over evil, and will those left behind be able to pick up the pieces and move on? This series by Barbour Books on lesser-known U.S. historical tragedies has caused me to dig deeper into these events for which I am extremely grateful. Liz Tolsma has done an excellent job weaving historical facts into an engaging novel.

Tolsma does a great job of bringing a historical tragedy to life for her readers. One of my favorite things about reading historical fiction is not only being entertained by a great story, but also learning something new as well. This book does both of those things beautifully. You will find yourself wanting to throttle Hollis, cheer Jay on, and be more like who Mariah finds herself to be by the end of this book. It will also open your eyes to a horrific tragedy that leveled a playing field for an entire community and drew them together as one as fire swept through the town with no regard for station or wealth. A gripping read to be sure!

5 stars, Wrenching Heartache

WHEN THE SKY BURNED: 8 OCTOBER 1871 (A DAY TO REMEMBER SERIES, BOOK 6)

By Liz Tolsma

A story of a fire disaster in Peshtigo, Wisconsin that happens to coincide with the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Mariah Randolph is a promising painter who dreams of showing her paintings to the world, her fiancé Hollis Stanford who is a well-off widower with a precocious young daughter has promised to get her paintings shown around the world.

Mariah's good friend Jay Franklin, who works in Hollis' office, for Hollis' father and he discovers some discrepancies in the records, he knows that he needs to let the elder Stanford know what is going on. He doesn't want to hurt Mariah, but doesn't want her to make a horrible mistake with Hollis.

The fire leaves most of the residents of Peshtigo homeless, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, they are at the mercy of people in neighboring towns to open their hearts and arms to them.

I had heard of the Great Chicago Fire, but not of the tragic fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. I like how the author takes you into the story and shows you things that might have happened. This is a Christian fiction and historical novel. It is book number 6 in a series of historical disasters.

Liz Tolsma always brings her best into her stories, it doesn't matter what they are about, they are guaranteed to be good. Highly recommend. Each of the books in this series is a stand-alone.

My favorite character is Jay Franklin. He started from humble roots but was given a chance to make something better of himself.

I like how this is considered a Christian book, but it is subtle, not overwhelming or preachy to the reader.

I received a complimentary copy of WHEN THE SKY BURNED by Barbour Fiction, Liz Tolsma, and NetGalley. I was not obligated to post a review.

#Christianhistoricalfiction #BarbourFiction #LizTolsma #Christian #inspirational #triggerwarning #strongfemaleprotagonist #WhenTheSkyBurned #ADayToRememberSeries #standalone

“When the Sky Burned” by Liz Tolsma is the sixth installment in the “A Day to Remember” series, which focuses on significant historical disasters. This novel centers on the devastating fire that ravaged Peshtigo, Wisconsin, on October 8, 1871—a tragedy that coincided with the Great Chicago Fire but resulted in even greater loss of life.

The story follows Mariah Randolph, a talented painter engaged to Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon. Their lives intertwine with Jay Franklin, a diligent bookkeeper who suspects Hollis of embezzlement. As Jay seeks to uncover the truth, the catastrophic fire engulfs the town, destroying evidence and upending their lives. In the aftermath, Mariah and Jay must navigate personal and communal loss, seeking hope and justice amid the ruins.

Readers have praised the novel for its engaging narrative and emotional depth. One reviewer noted, “Another great book in the Day to Remember Series, and this is a page turner! This is a love story, but not the usual one. As the facts unfold, surprises sure do come.”  Another commented on the book’s resonance, especially in light of recent events: “I felt this would be a difficult read with the recent wildfires in California. Many events in this novel were eerily similar… However, the novel is filled with messages of survival, hope, faith, and family.” 

While the novel has received positive feedback, some readers offered more tempered praise. One mentioned, “I received this Advanced Reader copy of Liz Tolsma’s book When the Sky Burned and enjoyed the story, but could only give it three stars.” 

Overall, “When the Sky Burned” delivers a compelling blend of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, set against the backdrop of a lesser-known but significant American disaster. Its themes of resilience and faith amidst adversity resonate with readers, making it a noteworthy addition to the series.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy learning about the 1871 fire in Wisconsin in this engaging novel. The descriptions of this horrible tragedy will place readers in the middle of fire. The story the author created surrounding the fires was quite intriguing. Loved the aspect of a blind painter. Interesting characters. The ending was predictable but fulfilling. Recommended.

“Disaster rarely announces its arrival. Rather it bursts through the door and refuses to leave until it has finished ravaging everything and anyone inside.”
I am so glad this story has been told. For 11 years, I lived 38 miles from this small town, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and visited the tiny fire museum.
Ms Tolsma brought this horrific event to life after researching eyewitness accounts. She also spun a terrific love story that took place during this time. The characters of Mariah, Angelina and Jay were so realistic. Their story encompassed the tragedy and the aftermath with an added undercurrent of gambling, graft and embezzlement. The descriptions were riveting and Mariah and her paintings were fascinating.
Through it all, the story told of sustaining faith in the midst of dismal circumstances and showed that forgiveness and justice prevailed.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

When the Sky Burned is an emotional journey that lingers in your soul. Liz Tolsma takes you through the raw aftermath of loss, questioning, and restoration. Mariah’s blindness, both physical and emotional, becomes a mirror for the brokenness we all face at some point. Through her, I felt the weight of despair that asks, “Why, God, why?” yet also the quiet whisper of hope, still and sure, even when we can’t see beyond our circumstances.

In moments when all seems lost, the characters’ dependence on God becomes a lifeline. Jay’s strength, his subtle courage, reminds us that true faith isn’t about grand gestures—it’s in the quiet acts of supporting others, obeying and trusting God no matter the outcome.

This story is set against a disaster and it explores the greater devastation we all experience at some point: the shattering of our plans, our identity, our expectations. Yet in the wreckage, this talented author paints a picture of renewal. The faith content is woven deeply throughout as the foundation for these characters’ strength. It’s a story that entertain while it stirs, challenges, and transforms the reader into deeper reflection on God’s grace and sovereignty.

There’s beauty in the brokenness, and this book reminded me of the power of faith to heal wounds the way that only God can.

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

Set in Peshtigo, WI, this book tells the story of the Peshtigo Wildfire of 1871, that was overshadowed in history by a more famous fire that happened the same night - the Great Chicago fire. The Peshtigo Wildfire was the most deadly wildfire and destructive wildfire in history and Liz Tolsma did a great job researching this fire, little known outside of the State of Wisconsin. Events that are told in the story are true, but she tells the story through fictional characters. I was very intrigued by this story as I don't live that far from Peshtigo and find books based on Wisconsin (where I live) very intriguing.

Tolsma starts the book at the beginning of the fire, setting the stage for the event. Her story and characters are done well and she adds some mystery and intrigue into the book alongside the events of the fire. This book features mystery, a love triangle, strong friendships, devastating tragedy and a sweet romance. The characters also have historical roles and expectations that frame decisions made in the story. I like that the main female character Mariah is an artist, so much of the story is through her artist's eyes.

It is a faith-filled book, with Christian faith elements woven into it. There is a lot of loss in the book including loss of life. Though there is much devastation, the book has elements of hope in it keeping the story from being too heavy. Tolsma is a wonderful storyteller and she has written another excellent book. I found it interesting that she started writing this story over 20 years ago but it was redone and published now. I'm so glad it was able to make it to the market.

Thank you to Barbour books for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Prepare to be swept away by this enthralling historical novel! Set against the backdrop of a small Wisconsin town devastated by a catastrophic fire in 1871, this book offers a poignant exploration of resilience and transformation.

Liz Tolsma masterfully weaves a vivid narrative that draws you deep into the lives of the main characters, Mariah and Jay. Their journeys are not just tales of survival; they are heart-rendering stories of dreams shattered and reborn. While I occasionally found myself at odds with Mariah, her struggles and aspirations resonated deeply and helped bring this moment in time to life, painting a striking picture of a young woman's life irrevocably changed by tragedy.

If you're a fan of historical fiction sprinkled with romance and a dash of mystery, this book is a must-read.

Thank you Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of this lovely book!

I happened to start this book a short time after the devastating California wildfires took place. This story gave such a sobering glimpse into some of the things those people would have faced.
It's hard to even begin to imagine the horrific event that took place in Peshtigo. An entire town basically being wiped off the map. And then the aftermath. Winter was soon coming and the residents had lost everything! And to think of the trauma that they had to work through after surviving the fire.
A very interesting story that brought to life historical events!

*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is based off of an actual historical event with fictional characters. The author did a great job illustrating what happened during the Peshtigo Fire. She captured the fear and all the emotions, as well as the complete devastation of an entire town.

Even though the story may be a bit predictable, it was a great read. I always love reading and learning about different historical events, especially those that I am not familiar with. Even more so, I enjoyed the faith the author brought into the book. There's a great message that even though there's tragedy, there's hope.

I received a free complimentary copy through Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.