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 Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt ~ a book review

This is a well written, well researched fictionalized account of the occupation of Poland during World War 2, and how it affected two sisters and their relationship.

The chapters are written from each sister’s point of view.  The first half of the book deals with the German takeover and occupation.  The depiction of the holocaust is at times, graphic. It is heavy , sad, heart wrenching but historically accurate.  The second part of the book portrays the resistance of the Polish people. It is a thought provoking story of courageous faith.

Helena and Antonina are twin sisters with a very close relationship. However, the stresses of the horrors that they see threatens to tear them apart. Helena joins the resistance, and willingly puts herself in danger.  Antonina helps smuggle Jewish children and fall sin love with a Jewish man. She finds herself alone, pregnant and unmarried and loses touch with her sister.

This is not what you would call the typical historical Christian romance. The romance takes a back seat to the main thrust of the story.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.

But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.”

The author portrays the horrors of the holocaust in detail, without being as graphic as history has revealed. This is not a lighthearted, “fun” story, however, time after time, you will see God’s hand of protection on each of the sisters.  

Go HERE to read an excerpt.

Go HERE to learn more about Amanda Barratt 

 

 

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.