Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller ~ a book review. World War II history comes alive amid a sweet romance.

 

 Until Our Time Comes, a novel of World War II Poland, by Nicole M. Miller

This is a story, based on true events, of the attempt to preserve a distinguished breed of horses during Hiltler’s ruthless takeover of Poland.  The author’s love of horses comes through clearly in her writing.  While the underlying theme of the story is about protecting the horses, the author does a great job of taking us through the danger and horror of World War II.

The main character, Adia, is a young American woman who has made her home in Poland to work with a famous horse breeder, in hopes of bringing a priceless stallion back to the US.  Unfortunately, the German army has other plans for her beloved horses.  Along with a group of supporters, she risks everything to protect her beloved horses. She is assisted by Bret, an undercover British spy, posing as a news reporter. Their love develops slowly but after many periods of separations they are able to reunite.

The author doesn’t dwell on the horror and atrocities of the German occupation but she doesn’t gloss over it either.  The details are descriptive but not overly intense or gory. She strikes a good balance.  While much of the occupation was characterized by the atrocities of war, the Nicole Miller does a good job of portraying the humanity on both sides.

Adia and Bret endure physical, mental and spiritual testing for the six years of the occupation.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“When her hopes are shattered by war, one woman will risk everything to save those she loves

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where the best Arabian horses in the world are bred. But her plans to bring a priceless stallion to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.
 
Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate two hundred and fifty horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test Bret's and Adia's physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.
 
This epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love is based on true events of the uncommon heroes in World War II Poland.”

If you are a fan of World War II novels, I would recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed.

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Nicole M. Miller

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

The Women of Wynton's, A Classy 1950's Mystery by Donna Mumma ~ a book review

 

 

This story is set in a time when people dressed up to go shopping. I grew up in that time and as a child I remember putting on my "good clothes" to go shopping. I wasn’t aware of some of the topics dealt with by the author. Hopefully history has educated us and enlightened us. This story, while entertaining, deals with the upsetting topics of racial discrimination, prejudice and women’s equality and often mistreatment in the work place.

The story is about four very different women who band together to solve a mystery. They don’t always agree with each other and often end up mistrusting and fighting each other. Along the way they develop relationships and learn about each other and themselves.

Each character is introduced to us at the beginning of the book with their own story.

Audrey, the focal character, is not liked by very many people. She holds herself apart and doesn’t get close to very many people. She is basically second in command to the Wynton Department Store’s owner.

When she suspects someone is trying to hurt herself and her boss, she organizes an unlikely group of women to try to figure out who the culprit is.

This is a very entertaining and sometimes disturbing story.  I would have liked to see more faith centered content for me to feel comfortable labeling it a Christian story. There were a few “the good Lord’s” sprinkled around and it is certainly clean. The only thing I would have like to have seen changed was the use of the period between single words. It was a little. Over. Done. 

There is a romance that develops over time but it is not the main focus of the book.

This is from the publisher's website:

Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem
 
Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.
 
Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.
 
Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.
 
Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.
 
Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.
 
These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?

Go HERE to read an excerpt  

I really enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.