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.
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 devasting 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? |  |
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release date: January, 2025
Release date: January, 2025
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My Review
A single instant. Nothing will ever be the same....
The Day To Remember series has been a fascinating one. Each story featuring a different disaster that changed the lives of the survivors and the landscapes around them. Some of them changing history as well. I'm honestly a bit surprised that I had never heard of the Wellington Avalanche before this book, especially considering my love of history and relatively close proximity to its location. Part way through reading When The Avalanche Roared I looked it up online and found a photo of the disaster and I must say that it is impossible to even begin to comprehend the power of nature and the horror of what the people went through.
I must admit that the story started out slow for me. And, as important as the disaster itself was, it was the aftermath that really spoke. The grief, questioning, and anger of the characters as they grapple with how God could have allowed such tragedy is where When The Avalanche Roared truly shines. Lauralee Bliss' heart wrenching portrayal of a town pulling together through unimaginable loss and horror, coming to terms with what they've been through, and slowly forging a new life is one that won't be quickly forgotten. It was that part of the story that I read straight through unable to put the book down.
As with the rest of the A Day To Remember series, this book was emotionally moving. Lauralee Bliss' contribution to the series is not to be missed especially if you enjoy fiction based on true and dramatic events.
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives When The Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss a 4 Bark rating.
The Day To Remember series has been a fascinating one. Each story featuring a different disaster that changed the lives of the survivors and the landscapes around them. Some of them changing history as well. I'm honestly a bit surprised that I had never heard of the Wellington Avalanche before this book, especially considering my love of history and relatively close proximity to its location. Part way through reading When The Avalanche Roared I looked it up online and found a photo of the disaster and I must say that it is impossible to even begin to comprehend the power of nature and the horror of what the people went through.
I must admit that the story started out slow for me. And, as important as the disaster itself was, it was the aftermath that really spoke. The grief, questioning, and anger of the characters as they grapple with how God could have allowed such tragedy is where When The Avalanche Roared truly shines. Lauralee Bliss' heart wrenching portrayal of a town pulling together through unimaginable loss and horror, coming to terms with what they've been through, and slowly forging a new life is one that won't be quickly forgotten. It was that part of the story that I read straight through unable to put the book down.
As with the rest of the A Day To Remember series, this book was emotionally moving. Lauralee Bliss' contribution to the series is not to be missed especially if you enjoy fiction based on true and dramatic events.
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives When The Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Lauralee
Pure Joy
Lauralee Bliss, Author of “When the Avalanche Roared”
Lauralee Bliss, Author of “When the Avalanche Roared”
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds… James 1:2 NIV
How does one equate a scripture like this with the death and destruction inherent in natural disasters? It seems an oxymoron to expect joy when faced with twisted metal and broken lives, such as in the deadliest avalanche in American history depicted in When the Avalanche Roared. Even now I think of the natural disaster of the hurricane that just recently destroyed mountain communities in western North Carolina, with homes and lives swept away in an avalanche of water and mud. So it was back in March, 1910 when a mile wide bank of snow detached from Windy Top in the northern Cascades of Washington State, slamming into three parked trains near Wellington, sending cars and sleeping passengers tumbling into the ravine. Over ninety lives were lost.
This could be considered a trial of supreme magnitude. Yet scripture commands we consider joy in the midst of it. The word joy evokes smiles and laughter, peace and satisfaction. It brings to mind Jesus resting in the boat in the midst of a raging storm, tossed about on high waves while the disciples huddle together in abject fear. After He calms the seas He asks them, “Where is your faith?” It demands the human mind look away from apparent destruction to something higher. To look beyond what one sees to the unseen. To trust God even when nothing appears trustworthy.
When the Avalanche Roared delves into the flames that spark, not from smoldering locomotives in a ravine, but within a small rail town that banded together in the wee hours of a frigid morning to rescue others. The destruction is evident. But the grit and determination of those who dug out people from heavy snow solidified by rain and cared for the suffering while their town remained isolated from the world speaks of a picture far greater than the picture of destruction. So it is today with communities swallowed by mud and trees and splintered fragments of homes as reminders of a destructive hurricane. Beyond the visual are the outpouring of help and compassion and holding the hands of those weakened by disaster in gestures of hope and resolve. And in this, a new birth of joy is realized.
God created us to find joy in struggle, to develop perseverance to achieve a goal despite what is thrown our way, to realize that when we do, we truly lack nothing. And therein we find lasting peace even in the midst of catastrophe.
This could be considered a trial of supreme magnitude. Yet scripture commands we consider joy in the midst of it. The word joy evokes smiles and laughter, peace and satisfaction. It brings to mind Jesus resting in the boat in the midst of a raging storm, tossed about on high waves while the disciples huddle together in abject fear. After He calms the seas He asks them, “Where is your faith?” It demands the human mind look away from apparent destruction to something higher. To look beyond what one sees to the unseen. To trust God even when nothing appears trustworthy.
When the Avalanche Roared delves into the flames that spark, not from smoldering locomotives in a ravine, but within a small rail town that banded together in the wee hours of a frigid morning to rescue others. The destruction is evident. But the grit and determination of those who dug out people from heavy snow solidified by rain and cared for the suffering while their town remained isolated from the world speaks of a picture far greater than the picture of destruction. So it is today with communities swallowed by mud and trees and splintered fragments of homes as reminders of a destructive hurricane. Beyond the visual are the outpouring of help and compassion and holding the hands of those weakened by disaster in gestures of hope and resolve. And in this, a new birth of joy is realized.
God created us to find joy in struggle, to develop perseverance to achieve a goal despite what is thrown our way, to realize that when we do, we truly lack nothing. And therein we find lasting peace even in the midst of catastrophe.
Strangers unite to help the hurting.
A friend flew from Florida to North Carolina and arranged with this store owner for a free truckload of water for communities devastated by the hurricane.
A friend flew from Florida to North Carolina and arranged with this store owner for a free truckload of water for communities devastated by the hurricane.
 Lauralee Bliss | Lauralee Bliss has always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and after several years of hard work, her dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then, she’s had twenty books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee is also an avid hiker, completing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail both north and south. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away the grand prize of
a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a print copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a print copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Blossoms and Blessings, February 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2
Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Life on Chickadee Lane, February 4
Connie’s history classroom, February 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6
Betti Mace, February 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8
Cover Lover Book Review, February 9
Holly’s Book Corner, February 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10
For Him and My Family, February 11
Pause for Tales, February 12
Leslie’s Library Escape, February 12
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 30
Stories By Gina, January 31 (Author Interview)
Pens Pages & Pulses, January 31
Texas Book-aholic, February 1
Blossoms and Blessings, February 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2
Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Life on Chickadee Lane, February 4
Connie’s history classroom, February 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6
Betti Mace, February 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8
Cover Lover Book Review, February 9
Holly’s Book Corner, February 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10
For Him and My Family, February 11
Pause for Tales, February 12
Leslie’s Library Escape, February 12
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