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Zion Covenant #8
Paris Encore
AMERICAN JOURNALIST JOSEPHINE MARLOW knows firsthand the horrors of war—the bombs, the senseless slaughter when Warsaw fell to the Nazis. Now assigned to the Paris AP office, Josie sees the impending danger. Spies have already infiltrated the countries of Belgium and Holland and stand ready to assist with the invasion.
As French civilians are evacuated from the countryside to Paris and the cadets at the Ecole de Cavalerie prepare for war, French colonel Andre Chardon heads a top-secret project. It could turn the tide of the war... but will the discovery be too late?
As French civilians are evacuated from the countryside to Paris and the cadets at the Ecole de Cavalerie prepare for war, French colonel Andre Chardon heads a top-secret project. It could turn the tide of the war... but will the discovery be too late?
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2005
137 people are currently reading
1276 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
203 books1,368 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 26, 2022
The Thoenes write amazing historical fiction novels, and this is no exception. You'd have to read the series in order to understand each one, but they're definitely worth it.
July 14, 2011
Loved 1-6. 7-9: boring!
February 22, 2022
Not the best Bodie and Brock Thoene book, but still very well written.
I personally think the Thoenes should have made these last three books in the the Zion Covenant series a spin off trilogy. It would have worked better that way, seeing that the first six books are so different from the last three.
The writing style is very, very different from the first six books, which is why I think so many people complain that they couldn't stand it. But I myself find it useless to gripe about it. I want to find out what happens to the characters, and the plot-! Don't have anything bad to say about the plot.
So, overall a good read, although not as good as most Thoene books. Still going to finish out this series though!
I personally think the Thoenes should have made these last three books in the the Zion Covenant series a spin off trilogy. It would have worked better that way, seeing that the first six books are so different from the last three.
The writing style is very, very different from the first six books, which is why I think so many people complain that they couldn't stand it. But I myself find it useless to gripe about it. I want to find out what happens to the characters, and the plot-! Don't have anything bad to say about the plot.
So, overall a good read, although not as good as most Thoene books. Still going to finish out this series though!
April 19, 2021
This book was harder to follow than the previous books. I had more difficulty keeping track of who was where and which ship belonged to what country. Some of the character development seemed stilted. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just been too long since I read the previous book.
June 14, 2018
This is part of a director's cut, whatever that means, and also much is a repeat of "Twilight of Courage." I really enjoyed the first six books of this series but reading this one so much later is like jumping into the middle of the action and feeling somewhat disconnected. It was nice meeting old friends but it just wasn't the same as the earlier books. It somewhat lacked the heart and soul of the others. Maybe it was just me who was tired of reading about war.
March 25, 2025
With Poland digested by Nazi Germany and Stalin moving in for his share, the Phony War settles over Europe, limiting action to small encounters on land and significant battles at sea. While other cities, characters, and storylines are also covered, the weight of the narrative shifts to Paris specifically, and France generally through the declaration of war by England and France, and also the realization that war is coming - but not yet fully arrived. The Thoene's develop the Chardon brothers and move Ms. Marlow, Mac, and for a time, Murphy to France. The author's have a developed skill for capturing the culture and character of various European people and lands. The locations include numerous references to monuments, landmarks, and street names. And the thoughts of our characters, via the omniscient narrator, truly present unique characters with different habits, ways of thinking, and vocabulary of expression.
The author's have added book discussion questions to facilitate book clubs/ educational readings and their introductory questions center around finding courage when trials loom.
I love the Thoene's work, both reading it and sharing it with others! Jump in!
There's More!
Dunkirk Crescendo (Zion Covenant #9), Thoene, 2005
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The author's have added book discussion questions to facilitate book clubs/ educational readings and their introductory questions center around finding courage when trials loom.
I love the Thoene's work, both reading it and sharing it with others! Jump in!
There's More!
Dunkirk Crescendo (Zion Covenant #9), Thoene, 2005
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 15, 2010
Loved the first 6 of the series. The last 3 were written after the the orginal 6. Felt they were really slow.Didn't like that they were still adding new characters and not contiuing the story of some of my favorite characters.
May 20, 2015
Yet another fantastically written book from the Zion Covenant series. I love the new characters introduced in this book- they are all so varied and with different stories and experiences. I greatly admire the research that went into the writing, and look forward to reading the next book!
June 9, 2024
4.25 stars.
June 11, 2018
This was quite a bit like London Refrain, with a bit more resolution. But there were so many POVs to keep track of, and it was pretty difficult.
I really liked Horst's storyline. I liked that there was a resolution to it, but I was it was more complete. I wasn't even really sure what he decided by the end, besides the fact that he loves Katrina.
Considering that Eva didn't appear in the entire book, save for the epilogue, I didn't care with whom Mac ended up. Josie definitely wasn't my favorite person, but I don't care if she ends up with the French fellow(who, by the way, was a little creepy to me). or not. Mac McGrath is my favorite person by far in the little love square, or whatever it's called.
I liked reading about David and the RAF, but he didn't even appear near the end of the book. I guess he disappeared into oblivion.
The British sailors were equally interesting, even though I felt they weren't as developed as they could be. I wish I could've read about the Galway reunion. That was glossed over too much.
The whole book seemed kind of filler, and frustrating, which is kind of the point. Nations who are so indecisive about war deserve to have frustration directed at them. But still, I'm waiting for some good things to happen--and there's only one book left in this particular series!
I really liked Horst's storyline. I liked that there was a resolution to it, but I was it was more complete. I wasn't even really sure what he decided by the end, besides the fact that he loves Katrina.
Considering that Eva didn't appear in the entire book, save for the epilogue, I didn't care with whom Mac ended up. Josie definitely wasn't my favorite person, but I don't care if she ends up with the French fellow(who, by the way, was a little creepy to me). or not. Mac McGrath is my favorite person by far in the little love square, or whatever it's called.
I liked reading about David and the RAF, but he didn't even appear near the end of the book. I guess he disappeared into oblivion.
The British sailors were equally interesting, even though I felt they weren't as developed as they could be. I wish I could've read about the Galway reunion. That was glossed over too much.
The whole book seemed kind of filler, and frustrating, which is kind of the point. Nations who are so indecisive about war deserve to have frustration directed at them. But still, I'm waiting for some good things to happen--and there's only one book left in this particular series!
November 12, 2024
Paris Encore
Read: Jun 25 - Jul 3, 2022
“AMERICAN JOURNALIST JOSEPHINE MARLOW knows firsthand the horrors of war—the bombs, the senseless slaughter when Warsaw fell to the Nazis. Now assigned to the Paris AP office, Josie sees the impending danger. Spies have already infiltrated the countries of Belgium and Holland and stand ready to assist with the invasion.
As French civilians are evacuated from the countryside to Paris and the cadets at the Ecole de Cavalerie prepare for war, French colonel Andre Chardon heads a top-secret project. It could turn the tide of the war... but will the discovery be too late?”
Building on the momentum of the previous book but offering more resolution, this installment introduced numerous characters to follow, which proved challenging. With only one book left in the series, I worry about unresolved character and storyline arcs that could be quite frustrating. I've also noticed a shift in these last three books towards more of a military action focus, unlike the earlier heartfelt human character stories that defined the series. This change may stem from their later addition to the series and the reenforcing the writing style inconsistency.
Rated: 3.5/5.0
Read: Jun 25 - Jul 3, 2022
“AMERICAN JOURNALIST JOSEPHINE MARLOW knows firsthand the horrors of war—the bombs, the senseless slaughter when Warsaw fell to the Nazis. Now assigned to the Paris AP office, Josie sees the impending danger. Spies have already infiltrated the countries of Belgium and Holland and stand ready to assist with the invasion.
As French civilians are evacuated from the countryside to Paris and the cadets at the Ecole de Cavalerie prepare for war, French colonel Andre Chardon heads a top-secret project. It could turn the tide of the war... but will the discovery be too late?”
Building on the momentum of the previous book but offering more resolution, this installment introduced numerous characters to follow, which proved challenging. With only one book left in the series, I worry about unresolved character and storyline arcs that could be quite frustrating. I've also noticed a shift in these last three books towards more of a military action focus, unlike the earlier heartfelt human character stories that defined the series. This change may stem from their later addition to the series and the reenforcing the writing style inconsistency.
Rated: 3.5/5.0
September 18, 2017
She's got so many characters going at this point that not only can the reader not keep up with them, but there's no room to give any of them a real personality. And then she wastes valuable space rehashing conversations and information that any reader who has been playing even the slightest attention is very well aware of. How many times do we need to be told that the allies were stupid for letting Hitler go so long unchallenged or that the Germans could easily march around rather than though the Maginot Line? When you have the characters discuss this over and over, it makes them seem like dolts and leaves your readers to assume that you think they are as well.
April 26, 2018
American Journalist Josephine Marlow knows firsthand the horrors of war, the bombs, the senseless slaughtered when Warsaw fell to the Nazis. Now assigned to the Pars AP office, Josie sees the impending danger. Spies have already infiltrated the countries of Belguim and Holland and stand ready to assist with the invasion.
As French civilians are evacuated from the countryside to Paris and the cadets at the Encole de Cavalerie prepare for war, French colonel Andre Chardon heads a top-secret project. It could turn the tide of the war but will the discovery be too late?
A German ship with prisoners must be found. And then the war begins.
As French civilians are evacuated from the countryside to Paris and the cadets at the Encole de Cavalerie prepare for war, French colonel Andre Chardon heads a top-secret project. It could turn the tide of the war but will the discovery be too late?
A German ship with prisoners must be found. And then the war begins.
February 5, 2019
I struggled reading through this book. For me, it was more about the Navy battles and a lot of political conversations. I missed the plot lines that included the original major characters: John Murphy and Elisa Murphy. However, some of the characters were nice to read about-the new characters. I was looking for do you read more about what happened to the characters from book 5 and six. Hopefully, Dunkirk Crescendo will bring back it’s original characters as well as could see the plot lines with the new characters from Paris Encore.
June 26, 2021
This one was so much better than London Refrain. It was a great relief to find the same pace and action that I have come to love in the Zion Covenant series.
Though, these last 3 books are nothing like the first 6 and I miss Elisa, Murphy, Leah & Shimon, Lori, Alfie, Captain Orde and the rest of the original characters. I have favorites among these new characters especially Mac and Josephine.
Unto the last book!
Though, these last 3 books are nothing like the first 6 and I miss Elisa, Murphy, Leah & Shimon, Lori, Alfie, Captain Orde and the rest of the original characters. I have favorites among these new characters especially Mac and Josephine.
Unto the last book!
February 14, 2025
As implied by the title, this book is set mostly in France during the “Phony War” with one POV of a British Navy lieutenant (I think) whose ship is sunk by the Germans; he is captured along with about 200 others and held in horrible conditions for months. We have lost track entirely of the Lubetkin family except for Baby Yacov. Lori and Jacob are finally reunited; Eva and Mac get engaged; and Josie Marlowe is probably in love with a French cavalry colonel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2017
I have loved this series. Until this book. Way too many new characters. The flow of the book was confusing and disjointed. There was an introduction of mildly descriptive "love scenes" that were a little too much for a Christian novel. The romance was forced among characters. Disappointed in summary.
January 1, 2019
I am grateful someone had the courage to write the book so it will go down in history on how the Jews and others were mistreated. Hopefully this is a lesson learned so history doesn't repeat itself. I recommend the book and the authors.
June 25, 2019
Meh. Where is Leah? What happened to Mrs. Wallich and Marlene? Orde, Lucy and the others? I understand the need for additional characters to explain what happens in France and Germany, but what happened to the characters from books 1-7? On to the last book...
October 10, 2020
The phony war! England and France declare war on Germany and then nothing happens for months and months. I suppose there was a fair amount of action in the Atlantic with U-boats and battleships. The pace was a little slower but I’m still enjoying all the different perspectives and historical plots.
August 1, 2021
Why oh why can't I manage to finish this book. I have been trying for months and I can't get into it too many new characters. Read the first 6 of the series I love them so so much but these books feel like snapshots of random people of the time in the world not a continuing story of the characters.
August 28, 2023
Took a break from this book to read a few others. It was okay, but the fact that I put it down says something. I feel as though the series is losing its energy.
The storyline about the British prisoners got me though. The terrible conditions they were held under were horrific.
The storyline about the British prisoners got me though. The terrible conditions they were held under were horrific.
August 23, 2024
Another pre-WWII book of the conflicts in the European countries. This book has a more humanistic side, several stories all involved in each other. Not so much war but the beginnings of the war in France, Belgium and Holland. A good read if you like historical fiction.
January 2, 2025
This book adds new main characters and leaves some of the original characters behind which is a bit frustrating at first. However, the story itself is good, and the excitement really builds towards the end.
March 13, 2018
Although interesting it hasn't been a favourite of mine within the series.
July 29, 2018
Not to be missed
October 29, 2018
interesting.
March 8, 2019
Still enjoying this reread. Unfortunately the character development feels a bit stunted. Loving the politics of going to war - the French are infuriating.
September 18, 2019
I just love the characters in this series who bring to life the hearts and souls involved in life in europe and Great Britain leading up to WWII.
October 18, 2019
I enjoyed the earlier books more. There are a lot of characters to keep track of. But I like moving the story through more of the war years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews