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.

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.

I love historical fiction that uses lesser-known events to create a narrative. After I finished the book, I searched to learn more about what happened at Janow Podlaski and the horses because it was so intriguing.

I continue to be amazed at the stories of bravery displayed by ordinary citizens throughout World War II, and this was a story of bravery I hadn’t heard before. It’s a beautiful example of people doing what they can with the resources they have to make a difference.

Not only did I learn new components of World War II history, but I was captivated by the story Nicole M. Miller wove together. It made me consider the dangers of dwelling on the what might have beens or what ifs and how focusing on the present reality is what matters most. When we long for what cannot be, we miss out on what is and where we are needed most.

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Nicole M. Miller and cannot wait for her next one!