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 Benson’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 an ordinary Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devastating blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Author Rhonda Dragomir chronicles a tragic event that stunned Hartford, Connecticut in July 1944, and the result is a remarkable novel filled with history, mystery, and faith. I wasn't familiar with the devastating fire that occurred during a performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, but this emotional story offered a glimpse of the terror and disbelief. I heard the screams, smelled the smoke, and felt the overwhelming grief!
Dragomir relates many details of her research in the Author's Notes and it's evident that she was deeply affected by this historical "Day to Remember". She also made me care by creating memorable characters with fears to conquer, romantic feelings longing to be explored, and faltering faith needing to be revived. When the Flames Ravaged is a great addition to the series, A Day to Remember, and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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 has multiple published works in anthologies and periodicals, along with numerous Bible studies studied weekly by more than 10,000 women around the world. Rhonda has garnered numerous writing awards for both fiction and nonfiction, including her selection as 2019 Writer of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. In 2020 she was also a finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest for her first novel, a 16th century historical romance.