Some Through the Fire: Sorrow and Song, Book 1

Sorrow & Song #1

by Jennifer Q. Hunt

Just as it seems life is opening before Violet with unlimited possibilities for her future, her hometown of Atlanta is devastated by a citywide fire, and her idolized older brother heads off to France as an officer in the Great War. Violet's safe, tight-knit family is about to be tested beyond anything they have ever experienced, and her dreams for the future keep colliding with forces outside her control and a rapidly changing culture.

While she tries to rebuild her life from loss after loss, two very different young ministers both profess her place in their own dreams for the future. As her childhood faith is shaken to its very core, Violet must determine who she truly is, what she most wants, and what it means to love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

Audible Audio

First published September 2, 2015

About the author

Born and raised in the Atlanta area, Jennifer's debut historical fiction work, Some Through the Fire, is set in that very city during the tumultuous events of 1917-1920. Jennifer has worked professionally as a tutor, ghostwriter, editor, and administrative assistant, including 10 years in vocational ministry. She and her husband Christopher live in the Atlanta area with their four young children. Jennifer stays busy writing, editing, homeschooling, and homemaking.

Reviews

[Heather Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers so much historical ground and yet includes all the little details that make it really come to life. It's the story of a family in Atlanta during and after WWI - about loss and pain, faith, hope, and love. One of my pet peeves about fiction books is they're boiled down to one arc these days and everything in the story has to speak to that one issue. But the fact is that our lives are multifaceted. We're always battling more than one thing at a time; we have our brother back from the war and survive the influenza (happy!) but also the difficult cousin, the church split (challenging!). We live in community with friends, family, and our church; we have our health, our jobs, events in the world around us, our opinions and beliefs. Including all of these aspects, with all the details that make them realistic, is what made this book sparkle. I enjoyed it so much. It was thoughtful, amazingly deep in some places, humorous, and just plain realistic. It's a debut, so the writing could have been more polished, but as much as I enjoyed the story, I really didnt mind.

[B.M. Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, WOW!! All I can say is why did I not read this sooner? I could not put it down! This book was definitely well researched and the characters were special. I got attached to all of them, especially Ves (Violet Esther Sweet), Billy, Cornelia and Andy. Andy and Violet were my favorite, but Billy and Cornelia were just as precious. You will go through the emotional wringer washer with Ves.

I highly recommend this book if you appreciate accurate, researched, historical christian fiction that gives you all the feels and will leave you crying when you least expect it and keep you turning the pages with plot twists. Oh!! Definitely a 5 star read.

[Jennifer Hunt]

Listened to the audio production narrated by Rebecca Evans! Excited to have her bringing this series to life!

[Stephanie Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

If all family sagas are as well written as this one, then I think I may have found a new favorite genre. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I will be sure to read others, starting with the remaining books in this series. Strong writing, well-developed characters and immersive historical details will make readers feel as if they’re living in the WWI era. Ms. Hunt also deals with battles for the faith during a time when humanism was trying to invade the church. She handles these issues with skill and boldness. Readers will not get enough of the Sweet family. It’s a good thing we don’t have to stop reading about them here.

[Bethany Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Jennifer's writing style and voice. This started off with a bang and kept up. I wanted to find out what happened to the characters and loved them almost immediately. The story flowed well and wasn't a predictable one. It was so touching and filled with such truth. Jennifer really knows how to write her male characters well and especially amidst a war.
Her historical research impressed me and I learned a few things about the era while reading.
While there were many points of views in this book, I enjoyed the perspective from other characters and followed each of their storylines easily.
I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up at a certain love scene and that this family and everyone around them really captured my attention and heart. Except for the very flawed yet well written antagonist.
I loved this book and the members of the Sweet family are now favorites of mine. I've already started Great Waters because I can't get enough of them and am excited to see the adventures and trials these characters will face.

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update after 2nd reading: Ahhh, rereading this book was such a refreshing change of pace from the lackluster tried-and-failed books lately. I originally gave this 4 stars after my first reading, but having now finished the series, raise it to 5 stars. It's so much fun to go back and see how these characters began, now knowing where they will end up.

Original Review:
Being a writer of World War 1 fiction, I’m always interested to read a book during this time period, especially when it's written by a fellow indie author. Some Through the Fire is far more than a standard Great War story though. Jennifer Q. Hunt manages to pack a lot into only 274 pages taking us from 1917 to 1920 in wonderful fashion.

We follow our main character, Violet, over these years as she comes to terms with her family’s life being upended again and again and wondering if there will ever truly be a time of peace or a future with the husband she longs for. The story begins with the Atlanta Fire of 1917, a historical event I had never heard of and found very interesting to learn about, especially after reading Jocelyn Green’s Veiled in Smoke earlier this year which focused on the Chicago Fire of 1871. Some Through the Fire takes the reader through the devastation of that event then quickly transitions into the horrors of the first world war, showing detail from the trenches to the home front while incorporating a wealth of research without feeling like an information dump. Next we experience the devastation of the Spanish Influenza followed by a quick romp through the early jazz age and a look at the Boston police strike of 1919, another event of which I was not aware. Given the current events of our world, I found the influenza and police strike riots to be timely, thought-provoking and well-written.

Although the book is ultimately focused on Violet’s journey, Jennifer Hunt makes us deeply invested in the side characters’ stories as well. Each one seemed completely relatable, even when I hadn’t experienced exactly what the character was going through. I think we can all relate to the concepts of loss, grief, physical pain, as much as joy, excitement, and love. At its heart, this is very much a Christian-centered novel where the characters are unashamed to discuss their beliefs, or lack thereof. There is even one atheist character who constantly challenges Violet’s firm Christian convictions, ultimately making her even stronger in her faith. I also loved that the author was able to incorporate humor throughout such an otherwise dismal time in these characters’ lives with many witty lines including one continuing joke about a pair of foo dogs found in their uncle’s library. Watching these characters grow (either in good or bad ways) kept me flipping all 274 pages in a single weekend.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished listening to the audiobook of this story and what a ride. From fire to epidemic, WWI heroism and tragedy, and a truly villainous cousin, I traveled along on a roller coaster with Ves and her family, watching the way she learned to navigate through trials and heartbreak by discovering how true her Savior is to her, how steadfast despite the storms. A really lovely book.

[Bethany Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Q Hunt is a new to me author. Some Through the Fire is a good paced, faith driven, historical fiction. The audio book was outstanding. Rebecca Evans captured the emotional essence of this book with her inflection so well.

Scripture and faith elements were woven seamlessly and naturally throughout the story. The romance elements were not trite or overly done. If you love Lynn Austin’s historical fiction you will probably enjoy this book too. Loved the reminders of the simplicity of the gospel. I plan to purchase a print copy to highlight my favorite quotes including: “There is nothing that I will not give that I may know Him… If I have to understand God it is my own mind I worship and if I have to control him it’s my own will I worship, and if I have to feel him it’s my emotions I worship but if I only have to love and obey him then I worship him in spirit and in truth and in worshiping him I have life.”
Such a fantastic story!

[Latisha Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grips you from the first page and doesn't let go, even once you've read the final words. I'm sure this series is one that will stay with you for a long time.

I loved the setting of WWI and how each person in the book had to learn to deal with the events before, during, and then after. The Spanish Flu also plays a major role in this book. Warning: you will probably cry at various points. Not only from the hardships and trials the family faces but also from the Biblical applications and faith that various characters fight for and cling to.

There was literally so much TRUTH in this book and I loved pretty much everything about it. It's told from various POV's, but in a way that the story flows and keeps your interest.

If you love rich, historical fiction with real trials and redemption arcs, then you will love this book!

[Janet Cardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story

Belongs on the hallmark channel for sure. I loved the characters, Ves and Billy and their relationship through the years. Andy, and how selfless he was, and how his relationship grew despite ves's actions. And I admire her faith in God despite all the trials she endured. I would have liked to know if marilyn made it and if Cal were ok, but not necessary.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just…. Wow! I think I’ve finally found a genre I can get hooked to. In todays world of “woke” authors and stories, reading a heartfelt and genuine book about a Christian family was so refreshing and I was hooked by this story and by the Sweet family from the start. I’m so happy to know that this is a series and that I can continue to follow the Sweet family. Appropriately named for their charm. Seeing as this was the author’s debut book and it was THIS good… I can’t wait to read on and see how her writing grows as she grows as an author.
So long, woke authors! I found an author I can stand behind!

[Kim Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well researched and drew me into the family of characters immediately. The story is a beautiful reminder that life is filled with both loss and joy as we appreciate it day by day.

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much I just finished reading it for the 3rd time since its release. It's so good and I'm so thankful to have it in ebook and audio format.

What's inside:
The faithfulness of God
The Great Atlanta fire
WWI
The Spanish Flu

[Christine Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fierce flame of conviction glares intently against religious charcoal facades in this amazing story!

One of so very many favorite quotes from the book was,

“There’s not grace for all of life’s possibilities, but only for realities, which come to us one moment at a time.”

[Lauren Berdeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Recommend This Book to Everyone I Meet!

This book had me captivated from the very beginning, and introduced me to a world of Jennifer Q. Hunt’s fantastic writing. It is easy to fall in love with the characters, and walking with them through the various trials of faith that they encounter in the book was edifying in my own walk with the Lord. Both the historical and faith elements to this book (and all of Hunt’s books) go far beyond surface level or what I had grown to expect from many Christian Historical fiction books that focus mostly on (sometimes cheesy) love stories, with a little history and faith sprinkled in. This story is one of my favorites of all time, and I think it will leave you excited to dive into more Jennifer Q. Hunt books!

- Lauren Berdeau

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author to me..

I enjoyed the story and the many characters, and hope that they all reappear in the future books. It was an interesting theme.

[Sara Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5. Jennifer Q Hunt covers a LOT of events in a short amount of time, but does so effortlessly: the Atlanta fire, the Great War, the Influenza outbreak, and the Boston police strike. I found characters I really didn't like (looking at you, Marilyn and Harry), but ones I came to admire. The banter between Billy and Andy and also between Cornelia and Violet made me laugh out loud at some points.

I read this after completing the Wisteria House series, so I knew a little bit about the characters in Sorrow & Song. While not dealing with as heavy of topics as Wisteria House, this Sorrow & Song book is consistent in its presentation of the Gospel and how the characters grow in their faith.

[Laurie Sibley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture me sitting in the corner of a hotel breakfast room, reading this book and choking back tears while eating fake scrambled eggs. That's the kind of lovely book this is. You're reading along, totally absorbed in the story, and then suddenly a tear-jerker moment just *gets* you--in the best way possible! This story has depth and light and joy and sorrow. It's romantic and intriguing and you need to read it right this minute.

[Jlauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and did not love the narrator, but I didn’t have access to a print copy of this book, so I pushed through and ended up really enjoying this book! I loved the wide range of history included in the story (not just WW2), and the growth in all of the characters. I appreciated that while this book ended happily, the whole story was not based only on predictable, happy events. Most of all, I was encouraged by the main character’s faith in God.

[Jillian Hurdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet. encouraging.

I’ll be reading the whole series. The spiritual aspect to the book is solid and the romances are sweet and pure. Great character development. All around a lovely read.

[Megan Soja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically rich and spiritually deep, I love that this story doesn't shy away from difficult things and shows how God works in the midst of them. This is the start of a family saga you don't want to miss!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book set during World War I and also by an author I had not read before. Some Through the Fire by Jennifer Q. Hunt checked both categories. What a deeply spiritual and inspiring story this was! Set mostly in Atlanta, but also in Boston as well as France, this novel introduced readers to the Sweet family and followed the lives of brother Billy as he fought in France and sister Violet (Ves) on the homefront during the Great War and shortly after it concluded.

If you are looking for a light beach read this book isn’t it, as it dealt with several hardships and tragedies that had to be endured and overcome during the time period. It seemed eerily strange reading about the Spanish Influenza of 1918 given the current COVID-19 pandemic, but it plays an important part in the story. The uplifting faith messages to be gleaned from this book are what make it such a gem. After a prologue dealing with a fire in Atlanta, the novel is divided into sections of Faith, Hope, and Love and takes on a theme of “beauty from ashes”. If you are looking for a heartfelt, inspiring novel of faith with much realism and depth, I highly recommend checking out this book!

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Leads His Dear Children Along...All the Day Long (5.0)

The story, “Some Through the Fire” is about the fictionalized Sweet family (Papa, Mama, Billy, Violet, and Katie, as well as the Boston contingent of Grandmother and cousin Marilyn). The story grabs you in, as the Sweet’s experience the 2017 Atlanta fire, the trauma of The Great War, the post-war Influenza pandemic, and are enmeshed as individuals and as church members in the struggles involved when you stand up for God’s truth. This is a powerful story that knits historical facts with a story that begs the reader to identify with the Sweet family; compels the reader to see what it is like to live above the superficial and commit to Trust in the God who is greater than themselves.

I’m guessing, some might consider this book over-the-top, blatant drama, but IMO message and story really deliver a powerful punch, which was believable not artificially dramatic. The characters both main and secondary were well drawn. Billy was always a star, good at everything he ever attempted, but via The Great War and influenza, Billy has his human prowess stripped away and then he kicks and screams toward a new maturity, a God-honoring maturity. Violet or Ves, as they called her was an immature and idealistic girl when the story opens. She, like many seventeen-year-olds was focused on her immediate future, her dreams, her hope chest, and her convenience. The illustration of the china plate from her hope chest that survives the fire – spoke. Her Mama tells her, “China goes through the fire—three times through—before it is perfect (page 9).” It is from this point; we see maturity like a cloak rest on Violet layer by layer, just as did on Billy.

This book also had a great cast of secondary characters. Some of my favorites are Uncle Ed and Lt. Andrew Alexander (Chaplain, 28th Infantry), known as Andy. Uncle Ed was portrayed as the loveable eccentric. The descriptions of his house helped us see the creepy, dusty, dirty situation that he lived in. When they had lost their home and everything they owned, Uncle Ed took the whole family in, of course, Mama and Ves clean-bombed the house first. We also see little slivers of the special relationship Uncle Ed has with Violet. Andrew was the picture of “the good shepherd,” who cares for others, selflessly without recognition or adulation. His character grows on you and by the time of Billy and Cornelia’s wedding, you know he is a gem.

Part 1, labeled Faith is closes with Violet reflecting on God’s Grace. “Grace. Grace for the moment-by-moment realities. Grace to trust when her human heart could not believe in God’s goodness. Grace to forgive her for turning away in anger against Him. Because He was not just Sovereign, but also a God of Grace” She whispers, “O God, better to lose everything than to lose fellowship and faith in you. O God, forgive me! O God, keep me from turning away (page 86).

Part 2 – Hope. This was an influential section, which further builds Violet’s character, although I became frustrated with the poor choices of those she socialized with, such as her cousin Marilyn, and Marilyn’s hanger-on boyfriends-Harry Newfield and Russell Carver. Violet’s faith journey takes a few hits, but she comes out pure gold by the end.

The antagonists were well drawn and true to the time period and philosophy of that time. The night of insurrection in Boston (the Boston Police Strike of 1919), when Violet and Sadie face a dangerous walk back to her Grandmother’s house without a companion was riveting and has me “speed reading” through the section. Again, this wasn’t overdone or overly dramatic, but clearly showed the number of ways the two women narrowly escaped physical harm and mental anguish. It set up the scene with Violet & Sadie in the upstairs room beautifully. Both women were shaken, but Violet knows she must accept her role as “older sister” to Sadie and unlike Sadie, Violet is secure about her present and her future [God is our refuge & strength…]. But for Sadie, her world is falling apart in many ways, beyond the evening’s insurrection. Sadie admits she is afraid. She states she wishes what she’s read in the Bible was true, even though her Father and Russell state the Bible isn’t true. Violet answers her question and Sadie Trusts Christ. Violet is in awe as she realizes God didn’t bring her to Boston for Harry sake, but for Sadie, and she almost missed God’s plan and purpose.

Part 3 – Love, which shows pictures of love. We see Billy’s love for Cornelia, Andrew’s love for Violet, and even Uncle Ed’s love for his family, and specifically Violet. We also read a gripping scene with Marilyn, Violet, and Harry, which is a sad picture of a hopeless marriage of two selfish and headstrong people (Harry & Marilyn), and their choices that led to a dire situation. Near the end Violet reflects, “Someday she would look back and see not the fires of the past three years, but the faith, hope, and love that had survived and been purified in the flames” (page 277).

My recommendation is to grab this book and read it; read it more than once. I appreciate that Jennifer Hunt capitalized the names of deity and the pronouns referring to deity. I also appreciated that the Christian life wasn’t depicted as easy, where God is simply a genie that grants wishes, the dispenser of everything we want. We see that God gives us Grace for the journey and we are here for His honor and glory. Great Read.

[Theodore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable

I liked the theme of this book and the way she wove spiritual truths into the story. The characters are believable and I found myself wanting to know what happens to them after the story ended! Learned more about WW2 and what happened in America during that period. Thanks for a good read!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the first time I have read a book that takes place during/after World War I. The book seems well researched and contains a lot of interesting historical details. I found the main character likable and admired the faith she continued to display after going through so much. I would like to see a sequel!

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

I really enjoyed this story! The way the authoress kept the story moving was very well done and I appreciated her creativity in the storyline!

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider myself to be somewhat of a historian - at least I have taught American history several times in the classroom and in my homeschool. Until I read this book, I had no idea that Atlanta had a huge fire when the US was fighting in World War 1. That is how this story starts - in dramatic fashion. And it really does not let up until the end.
The history part is important, but the details are woven throughout in such a way that I did not feel like I was getting a school lecture. I felt like I was walking beside these characters and living life with them. One interesting part was the flu pandemic. This book was written (initially published in 2015) before masks had returned to our country.
I loved how the author included some of the controversial issues of the day. Dancing divided Christians. So did the Prohibition. Opinions on World War 1 were also divisive. I finished reading the book recognizing that I need to think through issues rather than ignore them. Not every character in this book is making the right choices. But what a Christian would consider sin (such as having a baby out of wedlock) is explained without too many details and is never glorified as the right choice.
This series follows the Sweet family. There are two interwoven storylines, so two main characters/ couples with a similar supporting cast are significant. I think this added depth and interest to the plot.
Because this book spans World War 1 to several years beyond, this is not light reading. Although there are tragedies, hope is woven throughout. The book did not feel heavy, but at the same time, I am not sure that this is a book that is easy to read. I did read it fairly quickly because one of the characters storylines definitely did not come to fruition until near the very end of the book. I had to know what happened. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Who but God?" Indeed.

Some days, some moments are so hard and tragic that they seem never-ending. Our spirit gets weary, and soon everything seems pointless. "Not enough strength to cross the room and not enough faith to pray five words." But that is not how true faith and hope end. These things endure even when we don't. Jennifer Q. Hunt portrays this beautifully in her book "Some Through the Fire."

This. Book.

I absolutely adore this book, and I will definitely be purchasing the rest of the series. I don't know the exact moment when I fell in love with this book. It was a slow and easy process. I was enjoying a new book from a genre I don't usually read, and then suddenly, I was laughing, crying, and gasping along with the characters. I was excited for more; even the small in-between moments became special to me. It felt like I was watching my favorite TV series, and I was deeply invested in the lives of each character. I experienced every joy and heartbreak alongside them.

Although there is sadness, there are also moments of joy and humor along with some surprises. I enjoyed this book so much. It's one I wish I could read again for the first time. All I can say is Jennifer Q. Hunt's "Some Through the Fire" is special.

[Tara | Mercyandgracereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Through the Fire ( Song & Sorrow #1) by Jennifer Q Hunt

A enjoyably crafted story of faith, resilience, and family. I absolutely love how Jennifer Q. Hunt writes a faith-filled family story. Writing from multiple viewpoints allows the reader to see every angle through different lenses. Some of the characters are deep-rooted Christians, others questioning their faith, others are non-believers, and others are even atheistic or worldly views. She never shies away from the ugly truth of sin, war, or devastation, but it is written in such a balanced and inspiring way that it draws your heart into the scene and closer to God.

This book follows the Sweet family, their friends, comrades, and extended family from May 1918-May 1921. Violet (Ves) Sweet and her brother Billy are the main characters. Ves is reeling from her family’s total loss during the Atlanta fire, and soon her brother enlists in the war and is sent overseas. With limited information from the frontlines and piecing their lives back together at their Uncle Ed’s gloomy home, the Sweet family must face the tearing down and rebuilding of so much more than a home.

I highly recommend this book and greatly appreciate all the faith and clear salvation presentations woven throughout the story.

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 This was an exceptional historical novel! I had read a later book by the author so was familiar with some of the characters, but getting to know them better was a joy. The spiritual content was fantastic. I highlighted several quotes. Some of the themes I noted were trusting the Lord, finding God’s will, and standing for righteousness. I was convicted and encouraged by the reminders there. And all the history!!! It was interesting to visit WW1 again and learn more about that era of my great grands into the “roaring” 20s (including the Spanish flu pandemic).

There is romance in this story and what was there was done in a beautiful way—but I didn’t feel like that was the only focus (as I mentioned above about the faith/history content.) This is very much a family story, and I loved that. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series!

Content: some war violence, speak easy, drinking, brothel visited (Minimal details and the context was to rescue someone), unwed pregnancy **note: all of these were very discreetly dealt with and vices were clearly such.

Recommend: older teen+ at parents discretion😊