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. First, however, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.

On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devastating blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s comfortable life. Her entire family is among the hundreds who are dead or missing. Unbeknownst to her, Hank witnessed her brother’s heroism and some of what happened in the tragic fifteen minutes before the big top collapsed. Love blooms while Hank and Evelyn search together for answers, but God also searches their hearts. After they learn the family’s fate, will they abandon their faith in a powerful, benevolent God? Or will they discover together that behind God’s frowning providence He hides a smiling face?