When the Flames Ravaged: July 6, 1944 by Rhonda DragomirMy rating: 💛💛💛💛💛
Could this woman answer Evelyn’s most burning question? “Why does God let these terrible things happen? Either He doesn’t love us very much, or He’s not powerful enough to stop them.”
This book surprised me. Starting the story, I did not expect to really enjoy it, but the author drew me fast with her gripping writing and barely a blink I was 40% into the story.
“Yes. God could upend the laws of nature. Sometimes He does, and those are what we call miracles.” Bernice leaned closer. “But if they happened every day, they wouldn’t be miracles anymore. Sometimes God lets nature take its course.”
The author drew me along with the characters, making me feel their fear, loss, and despair. I also felt that through Lily, we as readers could see the true trauma of the survivors and their struggle to just live each day after the horrible day.
The characters struggle with their faith in grips of the trauma was realistic and the questions raised is something I think we all ask when faced with grave events in our lives.
“It’s okay not to understand. Just like you trust Aunt Evie, we all need to trust God—that He loves us, He is with us, and He will take us someday to live with Him in heaven with your papa and mama.”
This was a great debut which highlighted a horrible day in a realistic, emotional, and faith-filled way.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
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About the book:
Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?
Introducing a new 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.
Evelyn Halstead’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.
On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.
Introducing a new 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.
Evelyn Halstead’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.
On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.
Rhonda Dragomir is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky,
insisting her home is her castle, even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She is an award-winning author with published works in several anthologies and periodicals, and she co-wrote numerous Bible studies used weekly by more than 20,000 women worldwide.
Barbour Books will release her debut novel, a historical romance, March 1, 2024. She is often invited to speak at writers' conferences on topics related to technology and graphics. To learn more about Rhonda's writing career, visit her website at rhondadragomir.com.
Great review! This is on my wishlist. It sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteIt was, the author surprised me with the great writing.
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