I love stories about WWII and this debut was fascinating. Adia is an American caught in Poland as a trainer at a horse farm that breeds Arabians. She rejects evacuation in order to protect the horses she loves. But the Germans sweep in and take over the farm in order to breed the perfect Super Horse. In much danger, Adia puts herself in constant peril to preserve the horse stock.
Bret is posing as a reporter but is really a British spy. He helps Adia with the horses and a nearby partisan group.
The story is fraught with risks and the menacing German Army. Romance comes to Bret and Adia but war interferes, a bright spot is a little 6 year old pickpocket named Ewan who wends his way into Adia’s heart.
This was another excellent tale based on true events, from yet another perspective on WWII. The author shows the characters with great compassion and courage.
Recommended for fans of WWII fiction with an underlying faith thread.
*I won this title from Library Thing and was provided an ecopy from Revell via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

UNTIL OUR TIME COMES is a story of resilience, loss and romance as an American horse trainer tries to keep Arabian horses safe in Poland and a British spy tries to keep her safe and continue his work. Set during World War II with both physical and unseen threats during German occupation set the stage for a suspenseful read that will keep readers turning the pages while also warming their hearts. A story that historical fiction and romance fans will enjoy!

This story immediately arrested my interest. I've never read a story about the Arabian horses in Poland and thought about how hard it would be to see them taken away and killed by invading armies in two wars. More than that, these characters were written vividly with their relationships, hopes and struggles. I loved the humor and romance, but also moments of seriousness as these characters faced devastating odds, risks and threats. I loved Ewan and the different personalities of the horses and how they came alive on the page. I adored Adia and Bret in all their stubbornness and heart. My only complaint would be some of the wording and phrasing didn't quite work for me in places. It seemed like the author was trying to add additional emphasis or drama in places that felt a bit forced. Otherwise, no complaints about this story. It was a difficult journey for these characters and horses, filled with hard choices, but it was balanced with the friendship and heart of these characters. I fell in love with them and their resilience and cheered them on to the very end.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartbreaking, but also warming story with great characters, sweet romance, challenges and stubborn determination to keep these horses safe. A unique story that is definitely recommended to fans of the genre!

Content: Some war violence and death, animal death, assault.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Until Our Time Comes is a delightful story set in the horse world of WWII, featuring some of the lesser known stories of heroism though Poland and the surrounding countryside. When Hitler and his destructive forces invaded the countries of Europe, they destroyed much and stole the rest. In this story, Adia is a horse trainer who will do anything to save the precious heirs to the famous Janlow horse stable tradition. Bret is a spy for British intelligence and the underground resistance who takes on the guise of a reporter. The two of them end up bound together through interwoven purposes and circumstances, fighting for the stability of life when both the Germans and the Russians are around. The beautiful story weaves them together through circumstances that, while they may seem fictional, were all too real for people in the war.

The masterful storytelling makes you feel deeply the emotions of this story - both for the people and the animals. Even for the bad guys. Because not everyone caught in Hitler's web or the Russian army were actually bad people. They were also caught between the lines. The beauty in this story is how the people worked within their circumstances for the best possible outcomes.

I found this an enticing story that drew me in and would not let go. I had to keep absorbing what was happening, drawn to the scenes in the story that showed new depths of character. I found it enthralling, all involving. I adore WWII stories and this is another to add to the stack of fabulous titles telling the stories of the people, places, and animals that were deeply impacted by the good seeking to overcome evil. The story is one of joy in the face of absolute sorrow, light in the presence of darkness, and hope amidst hurt.

Until Our Time Comes is the perfect title for this very strong debut WW2 novel.

I have read and loved several WW2 novels, but this one was amazing and showed a different side to the war. The author did a great job of highlighting the impact of the war on horses and people caring for these magnificent animals, a side to the war I never thought about.

Bret was a great hero. He was strong and supportive and easily to connect with. Adia was a character who was only focused on saving the horses, but circumstances created opportunities for her to step up. I loved Ewan and how this little thief played a part in Bret and Adia’s relationship.

Another side I loved about this novel, was the different side to Germans which we could see. Yes, we know the evil they done, and we saw some of those Germans as well, but we also so Germans who did not really want to fight, and how they played roles behind the scenes to protect their enemies.

There were a few times I thought I knew where the story is going, then the author took readers on a different journey.

This novel was interesting, suspenseful at periods, showed the war from the start to the end, and was filled with emotions.

Title: Until Our Time Comes
Author: Nicole M Miller
Ch: 49 plus epilogue
Pg: 384
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell


Until Our Time Comes is the debut novel by Nicole M. Miller about a part of World War Two history. Involving the Janow Podlaski stables in Poland. This book was the first time I had heard about it. But horse trainer Adia Kensington and Bret Conway bring the story to life.


While you can tell the author did her research and but that it to the book it reads like the historical fiction novel it is and not a history textbook. I felt like I was there with Adia as she tries to save the horses. It felt like I was traveling across Poland with her and eventually farther into Eastern Europe. And of course it brought history to life for me. I did learn a lot from this book as the only thing I already knew was the bit about the allies making their way east. I can’t wait to see what else this author writes.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

“Until Our Time Comes” is a beautifully written historical fiction novel from debut author Nicole M. Miller. Based on actual events, this story brings to life Poland and the world of horse breeding during World War II. Woven throughout is suspense and romance that only adds to the captivating story.

Adia is an American Horse breeder who follows her heart to save the horses she loves. Bret is a British Intelligence officer who becomes involved with the stables where Adia works. Both are resilient and determined. As Poland is invaded, they must work together to rescue not only the horses that they love, but their friends and each other too. Adia and Bret could easily have their own books. Each character was so well written. I would love to see more from them, but loved how their paths crossed.

I love when authors take little known parts of history, and share them in their books. That is exactly what Nicole M Miller did with her debut. Her love for horses and research shine through the pages. The history in this book came to life on the pages.

“Until Our Time Comes” is a great read for fans of World War II, horses, and Christian fiction. I was surprised and delighted by this one. I’m looking forward to more from the author.

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for an advanced copy. These thoughts are my own.

I really loved this wonderful WWll novel. I loved Adia and Bret. I have gotten a bit tired of war novels but this one was quite different. I loved that it was based on saving the best Arabian horses that were being trained in Poland. I loved the action and the romance and the courage that people show during wartime. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Going into this story I certainly did not know what to expect. I just knew that this was a different WWII story than I have read previously. I have read a lot too, stories that take place all over, but this one focuses itself on Poland and the saving of its stallions for generations to come.

Adia is intent on saving the Janow Podlaski horses. She loves these animals and that love oozes off the page. She also loves her co-workers. She makes the best decisions she can at the time, and when war comes and overturns their peaceful life, well Adia is left wondering and doubting her decisions. I really related with her on that. Often, I am so careful to make a decision, and then sometimes it doesn't work out the way I intended. Of course, I am not in the middle of a country being invaded, but her perceived feelings of failure resonated with me.

Bret Conway is somewhat of a British spy. He is masquerading as a reporter and goes through a good dose of self-doubt and self-blame himself. He has also been given the task of keeping Adia safe, and if he can, get her out of Poland. Little did he know that extended to everyone and everything she loved.

For a WWII story, this is a unique one and gives the readers a different place and objective. The danger is palpable, and it is not only the Germans that are creating havoc, but the Russians as well. This was an epic story by a new to me author and taught me a little bit about a history I didn't know before. I look forward to more of her stories.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I am delighted that I was given the opportunity to read this fascinating story about a special breed of horses that were the targets of both the Nazis and Russians during WWII. Before I dived into the pages of this novel, I had no knowledge of Arabian horses, their origin or the perils they went through during the war. The novel wove information that was interesting and compelling into the story of horse trainer Adia Kensington and spy Major Bret Conway. Adia is from the U.S. and has traveled to Poland specifically to work with the horses at the Janow Podlaski stables since she has a family connection and an affinity with them. Adia is a talented and intuitive trainer who is not quite ready to face the challenges of a Nazi invasion, but she rises to the task in unexpected and surprising ways. She comes up with a plan to evacuate the horses and then has to fall back on plan B when the evacuation fails, forming an alliance with a German colonel to keep the thoroughbreds safe during the chaos of war. Not only does Adia shelter a little pickpocket orphan named Ewan, but she finds other creative and dangerous ways to help the efforts of the allies while also safeguarding her beloved horses. The destruction of war is evident throughout the story and some beloved characters are victims to the ravages it brings, all of which make the story captivating. I enjoyed the story immensely, even though I am personally not a big horse lover. The way the author layered the story with events from the war, the personal lives of Adia and Bret and the insightful look into the challenges of keeping horses safe when an entire nation is overrun by enemy forces kept me reading long past my bedtime. Brilliantly written and balancing action with history and romance, this story is memorable, an eye-opening look at people overcoming what seems like insurmountable obstacles in order to achieve worthy goals. The themes of hope for the future, faith and pure grit were evident, but not overly emphasized so that the main story continued to be Adia and her goal to save the bloodline of the stallions. The characters are people that I would like to get to know in real life since they are inspirational and courageous as well as dynamic and well-developed. The chemistry between the characters was believable and showed great depth of emotion. All in all, this was one of my favorite books to read this year with its unique story that drew me in and kept me there until the very end.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This was a historical fiction romance set in German occupied Poland during WW2. Aida Kensington an American chooses to stay in Poland with her beloved Arabian stallion at the Janow Podlanski stables rather than head home to American where it is safe. Bret Conway is also a long way from home, working as a war correspondent to cover his real profession which is a British spy. Their unlikely meeting is orchestrated by a loveable orphan thief who steals their hearts and their belongings.

I didn't know anything about the Janow Podlanski breeding program and I really enjoyed the inclusion of this in the story. The characters were well developed and although I thought the start of the story might have been a little slower, the last part of the story was much faster paced and held my attention. If you like WW2 historical fiction, this may be an option for you.

Aida is in Poland working with prize horses and she hopes to bring one of them, who has links to her dead mother, home to America. Bret is there as a journalist/spy trying to send information about the Nazis home to England. There is also a charming little orphan boy, Sparks fly between Aida and Bret, but war intervenes. It is a good story about surviving in a war zone and about rescuing the horses that might otherwise become part of the Nazi war machine. Read it for the story, but if you are a true horse aficionado of horses, also read The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc and no pressure for a favorable review.

I enjoyed learning more about the history of Janow Podlaski stables and the incredible efforts of ordinary people to try and save the beautiful horses from Nazi invasion. The cast of characters is colorful and fun to get to know as they set out on a journey a harrowing journey. This book is one of those historical works of fiction that will have to reaching for history books to find out more about the setting! I look forward to seeing what the author writes next!

I normally avoid WWII novels because they stress me out...but when I saw this one was about a horse trainer, I had to give it a try (I had an Arabian myself many eons ago). I'm so glad that I did! The story of Adia Kensington, an American horse trainer with a passion for reviving the Polish Arabian breed, and her struggles to continue her goals in the face of WWII was a wonderful one. A hint of romance with a British spy, wonderfully clean, with an adorable little scamp of an orphan boy thrown in for good measure, makes this a wonderful book for just about anyone.

4.5 stars

“All of Poland bled. Its people, its history, its treasures.”

World War 2 is one of my favorite historical eras to read about in fiction. Yes, there was unimaginable evil present during this time period. But there were also ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes by courageously doing the right thing at great potential cost. Sometimes that meant joining a band of resistance fighters… or spying on the enemy under the cover of business. Sometimes it meant hiding the people being hunted or breaking them out of a prison transport. But sometimes doing the right thing just meant quietly forgoing your own rations so a family with multiple children has more to eat. Or providing temporary lodging for those on the way to freedom or on a rescue mission. Or staying with those you love – your found family – when no one would blame you for leaving to go someplace safer. THAT is why I love reading about World War 2, for these exact types of stories.

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller highlights all of the above heroic acts, including an aspect of the war that we don’t hear as much about – that of the the people who risked life, love, and freedom to keep safe the culture, the history, and even the animals at risk of being lost forever, like the prized Janów horses of Poland. Our heroine Adia – an American with an emotional history tied to Janów – dearly loves the horses in her care and has a desperate passion to see them saved from being stolen or slaughtered by the enemy armies invading Poland. After all, they’ve just begun to recover from the damage inflicted on their breeding program during the Great War. I was fascinated by the story of these horses and the resiliency of their beautiful farm and I confess to doing some research of my own mid-read to see if Janów was a real place (it was) and whether it survived the war (no spoilers here).

I loved Adia’s quiet but fierce heroism, all the little ways she stood for freedom and took care of the people and horses she considered family, and how her role and risk evolved over the course of the story. A large part of that change is due to her friendship with a precocious, sticky-fingered Polish orphan named Ewan and falling in love with a charming British spy named Bret. This unlikely trio quickly wormed its way into my heart and set up camp for the long term, making me smile and cry (and even swoon) in equal measure. Each of them are heroes in their own right – in big and small ways – and the three of them together are the kind of team I love to root for! Add in a regal horse or two, some grassroots resistance fighters, and the gorgeous heart of the Polish people… needless to say, I was completely absorbed by this touching story. (The way the title ties in is so poignant, too!)

Bottom Line: Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller compellingly profiles a little-known piece of World War 2 history and a daring fight over several years to protect hundreds of priceless purebred Arabian horses. The exploration of the heavy toll this took on our protagonists, the horses, and the supporting characters who help them makes this not only a riveting story but a very moving one as well. Moments of well-timed humor as well as a sweet romance allow readers a respite from the high levels of tension and work to advance the story at the same time. Miller’s writing voice is warm and smart and flowed easily from one sentence to the next, drawing me deeper into the plot with every word, and her vibrant characters became my friends. If you love books by authors like Amanda Barratt, Kate Breslin, Sarah Sundin, and Cathy Gohlke, then you’ll want to read Until Our Time Comes too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

A gripping historical novel that follows horse trainer Adia Kensington as she fights for her life and that of the beautiful horses she cares for in war torn Poland.

A little slow to start, I was quickly pulled into this richly woven historical with a plotline full of intrigue and danger. Adia is passionate about her work with the Lipizzaners and Arabians, headstrong and determined she is willing to fight for the horses. I liked how she and Bret work together, meeting new friends, and holding onto hope when the war threatens to come between them.

I especially like Ewan, and his mischievous ways that brought a smile to my face, and added a lighter side to the story, as well as humor.

Overall, a intriguing World War II read with strong characters, a riveting plot, especially intriguing for fellow horse lovers. Inspiring and uplifting story, filled with hope.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What an amazing debut novel by Nicole M. Miller! I was captivated by this facinating WWII story based on actual events & the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland which bred world reknown Arabian horses. I was on pins and needles as American Adia Kensington determines to save these prize horses from both the Germans and Russians with the help of other trainers, a young boy, and a British intelligence officer disguised as a reporter. The romance and suspense kept me eagerly turning the pages with danger at every turn.

Adia’s such an amazing character. Though American, she’s adopted Wygoda as her second home where she cares for her beloved horses. Before she can transport Lubor, her prized stallion to the U.S. the Germans invade Poland. As air strikes and ground troops threaten the stables, she attempts to lead several hundred horses across Poland to safety. Blocked at every turn, Adia and her companions including Ewan, a endearing seven year old thief, and Bret Conway, the British intelligence office face all kinds of hardships as they try to protect the animals.

Major Bret Conway, a British intelligence officer disguised as a news reporter, is in Poland to gather intelligence. When he meets Adia Kensington, he’s enamored by her, but before he can take her to dinner, tragedy strikes. As he promises to protect her and her horses, he finds himself fully embedded in the Polish village as the Germans invade. Keeping his identity secret, he risks everything including death and capture to help transport Adia’s horses.

I adored the romance between Adia and Bret. Their delightful meet-cute begins with a stolen pocket watch. Through all their experiences, they come to admire and love each other and I enjoyed watching their relationship bloom. The horses themselves are fabulous characters and I loved how the author captured their personalities and really made me care for them and their plight. I also enjoyed the friendships which developed between Bret, Adia, the young boy Ewan, and many others as they work to save the horses as well as their countrymen. I don’t want to give too much away because this story takes one turn after another and it’s more exciting not knowing what comes next. Needless to say there are many tense moments where lives are risked to obtain intelligence and save others. It’s a thrilling adventure that was so hard to put down.

Highly recommend to historical fiction, WWII, and horse lovers! I’m looking forward to this author’s next book! I received an advanced complimenary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 raised to 5 stars!

I'm sorry to say this book just wasn't for me. I thought the writing was just fine, and the setting and plot (Poland during WW2; Adia and Bret trying to save some very valuable horses) were interesting. However, the story dragged and I found it difficult to get through passages about the violence going on. It's a normal part of war and fit in with the story but I couldn't finish it.

This is Nicole M. Miller's debut historical novel and a new author to me. I loved her easy-to-read writing style with wonderful descriptions of the countryside and characters in World War II Poland. Written about Hitler's takeover, it is full of danger, intrigue, and a sweet romance despite the trying times of war. I was fascinated reading about the wonderful Arabian and Lipizzan horses that Adia desperately tries to save.

The storyline had surprising twists and turns, with spies involved, which added to the historical details and suspense woven into the story. The characters had many layers with some being surprising. I was intrigued by Adia and Bret's courage. It warmed my heart.

I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. I highly recommend Until Our Time Comes and can't wait for her next novel.

I received an ARC copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

This book was very,VERY interesting and exciting and is now one of my new favorite WWII books! It is absolutely packed full of spy stuff which is one of my favorite things about this book, as well as the great faith content.


Negative Content

A young woman tells the traveling group that she is leading on horse back that they don't have much farther to go, and a young man says as he winks at her as he passes her, "About time. My backside's never felt so flat-" and is cut off by his father who tells him, "Hush, and stay vigilant."

A mention that the main female character cursed under her breath, but it isn't written out.

Fool is used a few times, and golly is used once.

A woman hears a commotion out side her cabin and tells the young boy she was taking care of to stay put no matter what, then it says that she tossed her breeches and boots on, tied up her hair and jogged outside. (I think its implied that she had a dress on already, but it could have used better clarity, especially with a boy in the same room as her.)

A mention of a side character drinking some whiskey or rum.

There is a mention of there being a marbled statue of Diana, goddess of the hunt, sitting at the center of a round driveway on a German's property. (A false god.)

A mention distant church bells of mass.

Triggers-

A mention of soldiers being lined up in front of a ditch and being shot,
a mention of a soldier having had been shot in the head, and a mention of a ditch strewn with burned and battered bodies.

--

This book was a great pleasure to get to read, and was the first book by this author that I've read. I can't wait to buy a paperback, as well as to read more of this author's work!

I received a complimentary e-book from Revell Books through Netgalley to review. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor 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 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.

This book had be hooked at the beginning. Adia was very headstrong about protecting her beloved horses. Bret is persuaded to promise to keep Adia safe from the invading forces. Which also means keeping the horses safe. They try to escape with the horses, but are turned back. They witness all kinds of destruction along the way. The stables are taken over by the Germans.

The story spans six years. The beginning to the end of WWII. You need to read this book to see how Bret assists the resistance and gathers his information and to see how Adia gets involved in espionage as well.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was hot compensated in any way.