A debut author brings us a unique look at World War II centered around horses, welcome Nicole Miller to the Index!
 Poland , 1930s , 1939-1945 (US WWII) , World War II , Horse Trainer, Military, Spy , Based on Actual Characters or Events , Miller-Nicole M |
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1939 – Poland 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. Major 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. |
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Questions about Nicole’s Story
What inspired this story?
This story was inspired by my research into my own horse’s bloodlines and the history surrounding one particular horse’s escape of Nazis in World War II. I’d always loved horses and history, and the blending of these two threads wove together a story that I simply had to write. As I’d come to find out, my own horse that I’ve owned for 23 years was descended from the very same farm, from some of the horses who survived the war.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I love telling stories about how animals impact humans. Horses, in particular, have been an important part of my life, and in this novel, I enjoyed presenting the idea of human’s duty to care for the helpless. I loved bringing horses to life with unique personalities (because, trust me, they all have their own attitudes.) I also had fallen in love with the main setting, Janów Podlaski, and this farm became like a character of its own.
What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?
My favorite character is a little pickpocket named Ewan who in many ways is the hero of the entire tale. He’s quirky, courageous, and brutally honest. I envisioned him as so many children might have been—both terrified at the war on his doorstep, and enduring nonetheless. He’s really the hero we all hope we’d be in the face of danger.
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Questions about Nicole’s Reading
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What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Tell us a bit about what it taught you. While this might be a “classic” response, Francine River’s A Voice in the Wind series impacted me so deeply and taught me how impactful flawed, genuine character can be.
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What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? Sarah Sundin’s Embers in the London Sky is my next book to dive into!
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What Christian Historical Novel did you last personally recommend to someone and why did you recommend that one to them? Melanie Dobson’s The Wings of Poppy Pendleton – it’s a beautiful tale with a thread of mystery and a mesmerizing setting.
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Nicole is giving away either a paperback (USA Only) or an ebook (Internationals Entry welcome). Enter the Rafflecopter below!
**If you don’t want to enter the Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the Rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**