It is the 1940s and European life is full of dread. Change and menace are in the air, but no one has any idea what is really about to come. In Bodie and Brock Thoene's historical Christian fiction series, the Zion Covenant, an epic line of literature has been achieved.

I read these books for the first time about ten years ago, but they are timeless. They entail a few well developed, key characters that make their way through the Holocaust and the reign of Hitler. And there are new, updated editions out now.

Some characters are an intentional part of the resistance, while others are desperately trying to get out of Germany. Still others are American journalists trying to get a story while finding themselves in a plot of intrigue, romance and life or death.

Though these are fictionalized characters, through the series of books, you get to know them and they become very real. These characters represent real people who had these same struggles and heartbreaks and joys during World War II.

There is plenty of suspense, but also, a tasteful dose of different love stories, and plenty of history detailing real events and dynamics during this time in the world’s past.

Though it is a series, each book can be read as a stand alone edition because there is enough separate plot in each one with recaps about what is going on.

I suggest starting with book number one and going through them all. You won’t regret it! If you enjoy historical fiction, these are a must. If you aren’t into history, these are still for you because they are superbly written stories, intricately woven plots that come together in amazing ways as the stories unfold.

The books follow main character Elisa Lindheim, a beautiful blonde Aryan-looking violinist, who has a secret. Her true identity is putting her life in danger, and she’s on a quest to get out of Nazi-occupied Austria.

While she mourns the end of all she has held dear, she encounters a brazen American journalist bent on helping her get out alive. Their paths cross with friends who are Jewish that must get out of the country, and Elisa finds herself at a cross roads. Will she join the underground resistance and endanger her family, or will she save herself?

The first book in the series is Vienna Prelude, followed by: Prague Counterpoint, Munich Signature, Jerusalem Interlude, Danzig Passage, Warsaw Requiem, London Refrain, Paris Encore and Dunkirk Crescendo.

These gripping, suspense-filled books offer inspiration, encouragement, wisdom and insights that you will not want to put down! It is a great choice for a book club because you’ll definitely want people to discuss all that is happening with!