Member Reviews
Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller was a wonderful first novel. I thought that Ms. Miller’s research into Poland’s Janów Podlaski stables. These stables were known for breeding the best Arabian horse lines worldwide. This novel is based on true events that took place during the war. I found this book to be one of the best I have read this summer.
An American horse trainer, Adia Kensington had been working with the stables for a while with the intent to bring one of the famous stallions to breed with her horses in America and thus continue the line. Her mother and father lost their lives in WWI trying to keep this breed intact.
When Poland fell to the Nazis there was fear that the horses would be confiscated by them for their stables. Another fear was that after the Barbarossa debacle of the Nazis against Russia, the Russians would use the horses for food and the Arabian lines would be devastated. She and other employees and the director of the stables tried to evacuate the horses to the east away from the Nazi invasion, but then Russian troops were fighting westward. They knew if the Russians took the horses, they would be eaten. They had to turn around and go back to the Podlaski stables. She ended up working with the Nazis to keep the breed pure. Hitler was determined to breed a superhorse using the best breeds in the occupied territories.
I received a print copy of this novel from Revell Publishers in return for my honest review.
I love this cover! In fact it’s mainly why I wanted to read this book and because I love horses too.
I read a lot of WW2 historical fiction. It was nice to read a book set during that time period that was different.
I didn’t quite believe they could move all those horses in the beginning. It kinda seem like a waste of time.
I enjoyed the story and think historical fiction fans will too
This book was BEAUTIFUL! I absolutely loved the main character, the setting, the storyline.....just such a wonderful book. Highly suggest!
Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller is the first book I’ve read from this author. I love horses and this story was chalked full of horses during WWII Poland. Some of it was based on true events. Only by brave, truly courageous people did hundreds of horses survive during that time period. I was so taken with the imagery and prowess of this author. I’m looking forward to more books from her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.
This is a debut book for Nicole M Miller and well worth the read. The book is set in Poland at the outbreak of WW2 and does cover the hardships and horrors of war without being graphic or excessive. The story of the Poland Arabian horses and what happened to them was gripping. I hadn't heard of this story and actually did look it up to find more details. While some of the characters are fiction there is elements of what actually happened and how. I didn't want to put this book down as I just needed to see what would happen.
The book starts with Bret who is a British spy, catches a young orphan boy Ewan pickpocketing. Adia a horse trainer at the Arabian horse stud steps in front to protect him. They are meant to have dinner but due to unforeseen circumstances Bret doesn't show up. The next time they meet is at the Horse stud where Adia is wanting to protect the horses from the Nazi's. The manager of the stud asks Bret to keep her safe. There are side characters including young Ewan who does tend to do more than pickpocket he steal scenes.
This is one book that as I was reading I could see as a movie or mini series. It doesn't always happen when I read but maybe because of the subject I could picture what was happening. There were times I could feel what the characters felt. Being the book is set in Poland we see how many of the civilians suffered during the war.
I wish I could share more about this book as there is so much to unpack but then you wouldn't need to read it and you would miss out on one of my top reads of the year. I would love to be in a book club discussing this book. While I know the book did end well I hope there will be a follow up as I would love to read more of this author.
This book was so good!! I learned about an aspect of WWII I’d never heard before, and really appreciated.
I’m also amazed that this was the author’s debut novel. She is incredibly talented, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
What an intriguing story of the resilience, strength, and determination of those fighting Hitler’s control. This story may not be of soldiers or resistance fighters, but this American, Brit, and the Polish grooms, fighting to save Poland’s Arabians from the Germans was amazing.
Adia is absolutely focused on saving the horses as they are her “connection” to her mother. She is also concerned about keeping her little orphan friend, Ewan, safe when Germany and Russia invaded Poland. Her work with the partisans was amazing.
Bret has himself some secrets! I do enjoy a good spy story. His deference to Adia concerning the horses (even though he knew ALOT about them himself) was very interesting. His protectiveness of Adia (and Ewan) was so sweet. His work with the partisans, resistance, and Patton’s Ghosts was intense. Bret and Adia’s blossoming love was beautiful in all the danger and uncertainty.
Favorite lines:
“One day, the stars would align. And then it would be their time. Days, weeks, months, or years. Whatever it be.”
“Nothing could camouflage the depth of his love for her or the desire that radiated from his pores.”
This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
At last, there is more to be told about World War II. By revealing the true story of that event, we can enjoy the epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller that will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.
4.5 stars for this well-crafted historical fiction novel. The writing style, historical research, and equine knowledge were all great. The two main characters were strong, likeable, and interesting. It was fascinating to learn about a part of WWII history that is new to me.
The novel did require some suspension of disbelief for me (for reasons I can’t reveal without spoilers). The pacing also felt rushed at times - but that made sense, as the plot spans multiple years of war, and I was eager to find out what happened anyway!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for upcoming novels from Nicole M. Miller.
Loved reading the highly recommended story. Because the Germans are invading Poland, Adia wants to get the horses to safety, and Brett, posing as a journalist, helps with the horses. Read the riveting must read story full of suspense and captivating characters,
What an exciting read! I couldn't put it down and read it in two days. I love Historical fiction and horses so the perfect match for me! Until Our Time Comes touches on a short time in history during WW2. We can only imagine the suffering people of that time period faced, and this book explores how the war also impacted special breeding lines of horses.
This novel begins with the idyllic countryside, unblemished by war. Adia Kingsinton is living her dream of breeding and caring horses at the famous Janów Podlaski stables. Bret Conway is a spy for Britain who meets and is attracted to Adia. When Poland is invaded by the Nazis, Adia is afraid her beloved horses will be taken and used as war horses by the Germans. When a German officer is assigned to oversee the stable and take her horses to Germany for the Fuhrer, Aida is ready to flee. Without giving too much of the plot away, Aida and Bret go though many adventures and hardships that bring them closer together.
I loved the plot and the characters. You can feel their determination on every page to save something beautiful from being destroyed. You will definitely want to add Until Our Time Comes to your reading list!
A good debut novel by Nicole M. Miller, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. The overall subject of this book was completely fascinating for me and opened my eyes to historical events I didn’t even know happened.
This was a delightful story that combined my love of horses and of WWII. The different events and locations were so interesting and I am glad the author included real historical detail amid heartbreaking and heartwarming fiction. Seeing how both Adia and Bret were able to stay strong throughout all they went through was inspirational.
While there were times I wish there was more information given to the reader, I did enjoy this book in general.
I hope to read future books by Nicole as I can see how she’ll become a stronger writer with more amazing stories.
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adia's dream has finally come true! She is a trainer at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. Her mother gave her life in WWI to save some of the horses at the stables. With WWII fast approaching, Adia feels it is her mission to do the same. With the help of the mysterious Bret Conway, who stood her up in the past, Adia will do anything to keep the horses of Janow Podlaski and her young orphaned apprentice safe. Life seems uncertain With invasions by the Russians and Germans and then the eventual German occupation. When Germany takes over the stables, the new commander agrees to keep Adia on to care for the horses, even when they eventually move the best stallions to Czechoslovakia. Can Bret and Adia find a place and time to see where their growing feelings for each other are heading, or will war destroy that, too?
This book is perfect for any lover of historical fiction! I learned so much from this novel about the German desire to build a master race of horses and just about life in occupied Poland. This book had me longing to know what would happen next. Who could be trusted? Would the horses survive? Would Adia be caught as a spy? Would Bret ever confess his true identity? I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and history.
Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced reader copy of this novel. However, the thoughts and opinions on this novel are solely my own.
I had a love/hate relationship with Until Our Times Comes the entire time I was reading it. The premise and subject matter was incredibly interesting, but the execution was...lacking. It's a novel with a promising premise and a rich historical background, but it struggles with character development, pacing, and narrative style. The author’s knowledge of horses and the initial setup are commendable, but the execution of the characters’ arcs and their interactions need more depth and authenticity. The book isn’t bad, but it falls short of being genuinely good.
The novel is set against the backdrop of World War II, with the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland as a focal point. This setting provides a rich, historical tapestry that I will admit Miller successfully taps into. The looming threat of the German invasion in 1939 sets a tense and compelling stage for the narrative to begin with, and though you have no idea what life was like prior to this threat, the author conveys a tense looming of what’s to come—of what our cast of characters is about to face.
This deserves to be more than a glorified love story, which is what it ended up as. Until Our Time Comes frequently resorts to telling rather than showing, which can distance readers from the characters’ experiences. This approach makes the emotional payoffs feel unearned. Additionally, the pacing suffers, particularly when Adia and Bret are together. Their interactions often drag the narrative down, whereas they flourish and actually manage to become interesting when they're apart. The novel spends too much time on aspects that don't require extensive elaboration while glossing over parts that do. Key moments that could have benefited from more detail and development are rushed, while less critical parts receive undue focus.
There is also a struggle with character development; Adia is presented as a strong and independent protagonist, but her actions often come off as reckless and impulsive rather than genuinely strong. She regrets her decisions, and that’s fine, but at some point, you have to lie in the bed you’ve made and move forward. Her feeling sorry for herself doesn’t change the circumstances she’s under. In my opinion, a strong character is one that recognizes their mistakes and moves forward anyway, something Adia fails to do on multiple occasions. I will admit, there is a lot of growth in her character in the last two parts of the story, but we don’t get to see that development. We’re only shown the aftermath of it. Additionally, the romance between Adia and Bret feels rushed and lacks depth. Their connection seems based on brief interactions and lacks the development needed to make their relationship believable, which is super important to a love story. The concept of instant love feels out of place in a narrative that demands more nuance.
Miller’s knowledge of horses and the rich historical setting provide a solid foundation, but the execution of the characters’ arcs and their interactions needs more depth and authenticity. This novel isn’t bad, but it struggles to live up to its promising beginning, making it an uneven read.
Wygoda, Poland 1939
Oh my goodness! This book has it all. The setting, the characters, the horses, and we can’t forget the Germans invading it all!
I felt as if I was reading a movie with something similar to The English Patient and it doesn’t matter if you read or just watched the movie. And the equally achingly slow-burning love between Adia and Bret.
Bret Conway working as British intelligence under the guise of a reporter, first meets Adia Kensington when he’s supposed to meet her on the first date he never shows up which doesn’t impress her much. Adia is working at Janow Podlaski as a horse trainer where they breed the best Arabian horses. Adia wants to bring stallion, Lubor into the United States but the Germans invade first.
Until Our Time Comes kept my attention and felt like a movie as I read it. The characters in this book especially Ewan were exceptional..
My gratitude to Netgalley and Revell. All opinions are honest and mine.
This is a read full of suspenseful moments.
While most WWII reads are about saving people’s lives, this story is focused on horses. I am not a horse person, at all, but was still very much intrigued by the story line. Pure bred lines of horses were valued by the Nazis. Just like with the Aryan race, breeding horses were a part of Hitler’s plan.
The main characters are very strong and willing to give their all to protect both people and horses.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Thank you to Nicole Miller, NetGalley, Revell for this #gifted book!*
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Title: Until Our Time Comes
Author: Nicole M. Miller
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
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Synopsis: “One day, the stars would align. And then it would be their time. Days, weeks, months, or years. Whatever it be.” When American horse trainer Aida Kensington finds herself in Poland raising Arabian horses, WW2 is the last thing on her mind. But when the Germans invade, her whole world falls apart, and she has one mission: to save her beloved horses from falling into their hands. But her mind begins to sway when she meets British Major Bret Conway, whom she knows as a reporter. There’s just something about him that intrigues her and draws her in. Torn between saving the horses and deciphering these new feelings, Adia and Bret battle the hardships of war and the unknown of a future together that tests their faith in humanity and their God.
Analysis: When I first heard of this book, I was a little unsure, but my millennial self was drawn in from the nostalgia of all those horse books I read in middle school. Nicole takes you on an adventure in WW2 Poland that is based on an amazing true story of saving horses from German hands. The characters are strong and courageous and are learning to choose between the things they love most. I absolutely loved both the independence and the willingness to take a chance on love that is depicted throughout the novel. I especially loved Bret because of his old-fashioned romance and the way he looked out for Adia. Nicole Miller’s debut novel is one that will have you reminiscing on your dreams and falling in love all over again.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
World War II novel with an unusual perspective of the world of pure-breed horses. The lives of a Polish-American horse trainer and breeder and a British spy collide when they try to save the horses from invading forces. Interesting story and I appreciated the historical notes in the back.
Wow! I'm not sure how to express my thoughts on this one.
I enjoyed this book, seeing as how I learned much from it.
Events I never knew happened until this author brought it to life for us. The way she described the events and places was so realistic that made me feel like I was there!
Adia and Bret are two characters that will never let you go. The dangers they faced were sometimes so scary that they made my heart pound in places.
I'm still thinking about them. They were definitely charismatic characters.
I found myself rooting for them throughout this novel.
And the horses! The most amazing horses! Arabians are the most beautiful horses in the world, in my opinion. They're my favorite breed.
This book has a little in it for everyone to enjoy. I didn't want this novel to end.
5 stars for a well written and deserved story.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
{Thank you to @netgalley and @revellfiction for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.}
I love horses and WW2 history, especially little known history. After reading the synopsis, I knew this book would be right up my alley!
Until Our Time Comes is set in 1939 at the Janów Podlaski stables in Wygoda, Poland, where Arabian horses of the highest quality in the world were (and still are) bred. This book with its beautiful characters tells an incredible story based on real historical events that took place during World War II, when Germany and Russia invaded Poland and threatened these horses.
I loved Adia and Bret and how their story came together. The story is obviously very well researched, and I really appreciated how the author worked a clean romance into the story but that the romance didn’t take over the story either–a really good balance.
This is a Christian historical fiction with light faith content.
Wonderful debut novel! Highly recommend!