by Nicole M. Miller
I’ve always been a bit of a nerd. History, reading, horses, pop culture, video games, Lego . . . you name it. But perhaps the pinnacle of my lovable nerdiness came from reading a small detail—almost a footnote—in a biography of an Arabian stallion (distantly related to my own horse) that would spawn 23 years of writing, re-writing, and pitching a book to editors.
But that novel releases in July 2024. A complete book from one nugget in a collection of horse biographies.
What was this tiny detail that spawned thousands of written words? A mention of a few stable workers who, in the midst of the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, took the best stallion, cut his mane and tail, and covered him in mud to prevent his capture by the Germans.
This episode—a dedicated group of individuals striving to save the horses from utter annihilation—fascinated me. It put into stark relief the cost of war, not just on humans, but on the culture, the creatures, and the innocents under our care.
Horses are a point of pride in Poland. The Polish people have a legacy of finely bred war horses and to this day several Arabian breeding farms are operated by the government. Throughout Poland’s war-torn history, the Arabian breed has been threatened, but each time the horses have risen from the ashes and impacted the global breeding program. The horse I own today is an echo of that legacy.
But how did all of this lead to a novel that will be hitting the shelves in July?
God’s timing might have had something to do with it. My proposal landed on my editor's desk right after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the parallels are undeniable. In 1939, Russia invaded Poland during Germany’s blitzkrieg and the country fell to the invaders, leaving the horses and breeding programs in shambles. Suddenly, this story from the past had a valid link to the present.
History always repeats itself and fiction humanizes history in a powerful way. This story, which has burned inside me for more than two decades, is finally coming to the world. I wish the circumstances of how past and present aligned were different, but the years of waiting are a testament to God’s broader plan.
In addition, my editor is also a lover of Polish history. She has visited Poland many times and hadn’t heard of this particular story when my proposal reached her desk.
I believe this manuscript was intended to arrive at this time and under the guidance of this particular editor. But this story is about so much more than horses. It’s about the people who struggled during that time.
I think of their suffering and courage every time I look at the horse in my pasture—the descendant of the horses that were saved during WWII. And when that horse gets particularly muddy, I smile. If not for that mention of mud as a disguise, I wouldn’t have been unable to let go of the idea that has captured me for the past 23 years.
So here’s to the little details and the spark of inspiration that can lead to something incredible.
About the Author
Debut author and horse enthusiast Nicole M. Miller joins the ranks of World War II novelists with a gripping tale that takes readers to Eastern Poland. Nicole lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons, along with her Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a longtime horse owner, she's been involved in many horse organizations, including serving on the Clark County Fair Court and as Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.
About the Book
Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love follows the desperate journey of American horse trainer Adia Kensington and Major Bret Conway to rescue hundreds of prized Arabian horses before and during the Nazis’ invasion and occupation of Poland.
Did You Know?
2023 Gallup poll found a record 49% of Americans view themselves as politically independent, the same as the two main parties combined.
The major US political party isn’t Republicans or Democrats. It’s “I’ll look around, thanks.”
One major reason for this change is the younger generation’s disillusionment.
Both parties are seen as too radical and agenda oriented.
The world tempts us to pick sides, especially leading up to November’s US election. However, as Christians, we don’t believe the problems of society and people will be solved with a political party but in the ways of heaven.
After Moses’ death, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. God called the Israelites to be circumcised and celebrate Passover in enemy territory. In this vulnerable position, Joshua sees a man holding a sword, a definite threat, so Joshua challenges him. “Are you for us or our enemy?”
This Person responds, “Neither, but as the Commander of the Army of the Lord I have come.” Joshua knelt before this divine man, and as a result, he received the Lord’s battle plan to defeat the ominous Jericho (Joshua 5:13-15, 6:1-5).
For Jesus followers, we enjoy privileged citizenship in a greater Kingdom. We shouldn’t ask whether God’s on our side but if we’re on His. When we submit to Him, the Spirit will give us His creative, transcendent, and loving ways to engage in a divided nation and season, calling both sides to Him.
-MB Mooney, Shield of the King: Elowen Book 1
Why I LOVE My Local Christian Bookstore
I love my Christian bookstore because I can always trust the books I find on their shelves to be appropriate, uplifting, and true to a Christian worldview.
-Linda W. Rooks, Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light
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