On September 1, 1894, one of the worst fires in history ravaged east-central Minnesota. It was the first firestorm in Minnesota history, destroying six towns, including Hinckley. Descending on the towns like a red demon, the fire consumed 400 square miles, killing 418 people in four hours.After the fire, the townspeople rebuilt their town, but in the midst of rebuilding, a rumor began of a hermit in the hills—a person severely burned, disfigured beyond recognition. The identity of this person wa...

Veil of Fire is a fascinating story based on an actual historical event--the worst fire in Minnesota's history--a fire that burned 400 square miles and killed 418 people in just four hours. The story begins with non-stop action as a hellish blaze consumes everything in sight. The reader is placed in the middle of the maelstrom as the events unfold, and it's an awesome and terrifying experience.The potential for evil in the hearts of men really comes out in this story, as does a theme of regret.

Incredible story makes history come alive. A page-turner that required me to read it all in one day, this book kept me guessing, and the ending was not at all what I expected. When I was finished I had to go research the history of the Hinckley fire. Though I have visited the museum and live close by, I will now go back and see it with new eyes. A well-written story from a fantastic author.

I thought it was an interesting story about karma and the lessons that can be learned from tribulations. Sometimes it was difficult to follow which character was speaking but the plot held together and played out perfectly.

For me this was a book I should have read in one night, or one afternoon, as a busy mother I read a bit here and there, and I kept getting lost in the plot of the story because of this, I kept wanting to read more and quickly finish the book as I wanted to figure out the mystery but I couldn't and that detracted from the enjoyment of reading this very interesting novel. So my recommendation is read it when you won't be distracted! I plan on reading more from this author. Her books are different

Set against the historical background of an actual fire in Hinckley, Minnesota, in 1894, this is a story of destruction, loss, rebuilding, and rebirth. It is also a tale with a moral: It is a person's ACTIONS, not one's APPEARANCE, that makes a person a "monster."

Excellent read, although I found the first few chapters utterly exhausting to read! Kept me guessing to the end.

kept me guessing till the end, didnt want to put it down

Can't put it downJust got caught up with wondering who the monster was and wanting the bad guys to get caught. And they were.

In 1894 a fire broke out in the town of Hinckley, Minnesota. Four hours later 400 square miles were torched. Four hundred eighteen lives were lost. Out of the ashes the townspeople rebuilt and rose again like the Phoenix of mythology. And a myth began to grow among the survivors. There was one in the hills watching, observing. Friend or foe? No one knew. To this day no one knows who the hermit in the hills around Hinckley was. Speculations abound still.I met Marlo Schalesky through Shoutlife. In...

KINDLE EDITIONThis book is replete with suspense. Very difficult to put down. I tell myself I will stop reading after "this" chapter and get to the end of it and continue onto the next.In chapters one and two, a wild fire is burning out of control, bringing destruction. Claiming lives. A daughter loses her mother. A man witnesses a burning wagon as it runs over his wife as she urges him to leave - to save their 6-month old daughter. Further chapters deal with the aftermath and rebuilding after s...

Who is the hermit in the hills after the great Hinkley, MN fire in the 1890's? Mystery, fun, and an ending twist. Don't miss this one!

I decided to read this book, partly because my mom recommended it, and partly because it's about the Hinckley fire, which happened in Minnesota. I grew up in Minnesota and I've been to the Hinckley Fire Museum near the place where my church used to camp out every summer. So that made it especially interesting for me. It's also a good story, though, with interesting characters and an intriguing mystery. Since fire is one of my biggest fears, the first few chapters were a little disturbing to me,

I love to read stories based on actual historical events & this is one I will never forget. Excellent retelling of the events of the 1894 fire. Suspense that kept me turning pages.Part allegory. Part parable. A subtle message of hope and redemption.Spoiler: I docked one star because I had to suspend disbelief that a journal would survive a fire that was so hot people poured water over each other so their clothes wouldn't catch on fire. And a locked room with a window that can be easily opened is...

A freebie book from Bookshout; ended up being something that would have definitely been worth purchasing and was a great introduction to this author. Based on a true historic event, The Great Hinckley Fire of 1894, this work of fiction takes the reader through the horror of that experience from the perspective of characters who might have lived it, all the while building a back-story that is filled with mystery, love, and spiritual awakening. I loved that the identity of the "monster" was not so...

I really enjoyed the story. Partly because I live in Minnesota and drive through Hinckley, where the story takes place, every time we go to Duluth or the North Shore. I had heard about the fire but never really knew the impact it made on the community. This is a fictional account but based on stories handed down from the author's husband's family. I had a trouble getting into it at the beginning with all the short sentences, but the story-line was good.

Deeply movingThis book tells many stories on many levels. The story of a fire that destroys a town in a western settlement; a story or loss and one of fear, another of deceit.But most of all it is a story of people and how they come to know God when bad things happen. A story of how truth will come out and how it does set us free.I recommend this thoughtful, exciting and emotional book to anyone who has endured 'the fire's in their own lives and asked God 'Why'?

Gripping!Powerful human emotions were displayed throughout this book. I finished it in a day because I just had to know what happened next. The "ghost" was my favorite character; who tugged at my heart throughout the book. Excellently written.

I loved this book, I couldn't put it down! Keep the kleenex box near, you will need it. Based on a real disaster, a fictional story of profound loss, a heart-wrenching mystery, a hateful villain, a love story, a test of faith...this book has it all.

3.7. The fictional story is based on an actual fire that devoured the town of Hinkley and most of the people in the 1800's and the rebuilding process of the survivors.

I just couldn't get interested in this one so I gave up on it

Exquisite book!---the theme...the truth will set you free.

I loved this book!