A local author recently released a book that has been a historical fiction #1 best seller on Amazon since early March and will be hosting a signing next weekend.
Shelly Pierce released “When the Fire Fell” on March 1, 2025. This is her 10th book and 1st young adult historical fiction piece.
Pierce says in her press release that “When the Fire Fell” is based on a true event known as The Great Hinckley Fire of 1894. The fire had swept through Minnesota destroying more than 350,000 acres, taking 418 lives, and killing countless livestock on September 1, 1894.
She released that she began her research on the fire a year and a half ago. Her studies led her to write “When The Fire Fell” as a tribute to the hundreds of lost lives and the reliance of the people of Pine County, where the fire took place. With faith in God and the desire to overcome disaster, the people of Hinckley rebuilt the town.
Pierce tells WGRV news “I felt compelled to write about The Minnesota Great Hinckley Fire of 1894 because this is the town where my childhood years were spent and I grew up hearing about it. This historic event should not be forgotten.”
Pierce mentions that she has lunch with author Elizabeth Raum nearly every week. Raum has published more than 160 books for young adults and 2 books for adults. Pierce calls her a “Prolific of historical fiction” and says she felt compelled to write about the fire after learning from Raum.
Raum endorsed Pierce’s book as she states “Shelley Pierce has created believable characters facing real dangers and hardships. This is the kind of book that gives young readers courage to face their own problems. What a great read!”
The book landed the #1 seller in the Historical Fiction section on Amazon just days after its release and has held the spot these last few weeks. Amazon will award Pierce with a top new release badge when there is a high level of sales the first 30 days after release. Pierce tells WGRV “Personally, it just an honor that people would invest their time and money in my book. I don’t take that for granted”.
Pierce says “My husband and I have been a part of Greeneville/Greene County for 35 years. We raised a family here and love being a part of this community”. Shelly’s husband, James, is the senior pastor at Towering Oaks and Shelley serves on staff as the Director of Preschool and Children’s Ministries.
She shares with WGRV “I encourage people of all ages if God has placed a story in your heart, don’t be afraid to sit down and write.”
In honor of this great achievement, there will be a signing event at Towering Oaks Baptist Church Chapel on March 29, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All of Pierce’s books will be on sale and she will be there to sign them. Refreshments will be served.
