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Munich Signature

(Zion Covenant #3)

Bodie Thoene (Goodreads Author),

Brock Thoene

4.39 · Rating details · 6,562 ratings · 163 reviews

In Prague Counterpoint, Elisa Murphy and Leah Feldstein risked everything to stand against the tide of Nazi terrorism and to buy a chance at life for two small boys. When Elisa is at last reunited with Murphy, the danger is past for the small Charles.

Or is it?

Munich Signature finds Leah and little Louis attempting to escape Austria over the treacherous foot paths of the Al ...more

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Paperback, 448 pages

Published April 1st 2005 by Tyndale House Publishers (first published April 1st 1990)

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· 6,562 ratings · 163 reviews

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Feb 13, 2016 Natalie Vellacott rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian-fiction

I'm working through this series for the second/third time.

This book focuses on the fall of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis. It also documents the plight of a ship containing Jewish refugees as the boat is passed from country to country, each lamenting the suffering of the people but refusing to accept the additional immigrants themselves.

Still enjoying this series although it can be slow at times and perhaps some of the detail is unnecessary as it makes the books very long. The history is fascinati ...more

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Aug 30, 2019 Luisa Knight rated it it was ok

Shelves: world-war-2, historical-fiction, romance

I appreciated the historical research and backdrop presented in this story and how it occasionally left the main characters to show a key scene in history with Churchill, Hitler and/or Franklin. Kudos for how well this was laid out.

The story itself was pretty good too, with a lot of plot and/or action happening. More of a "Hallmark Movie" feel to it, so possessing a somewhat predictable story-line with a leading female who's obviously gorgeous and a few love quadrangles thrown in, of course. Wha I appreciated the historical research and backdrop presented in this story and how it occasionally left the main characters to show a key scene in history with Churchill, Hitler and/or Franklin. Kudos for how well this was laid out.

The story itself was pretty good too, with a lot of plot and/or action happening. More of a "Hallmark Movie" feel to it, so possessing a somewhat predictable story-line with a leading female who's obviously gorgeous and a few love quadrangles thrown in, of course. What was unlike Hallmark, however, was how this book went a little passed the line of morality standards that Hallmark follows (see Cleanliness below). By the third book, I felt that the authors had pushed it a little too far for my comfort (and I was losing interest in the new characters and the bunny trails they were making away from the main characters I wanted to read about).

Ages: 17+

Cleanliness: Even though the books in this series are published by a Christian publishing house, I didn't really think they felt all that Christian. The characters may mention God once or twice but it's fairly trivial and most of the characters certainly don't live an obvious Christian lifestyle. If you think of these books as perhaps just clean fiction with non-Christian characters, you might not be disappointed.

There is drinking and smoking mentioned throughout, and characters getting drunk to drowned their sorrows. There is kissing, lustful glances, and thoughts of adultery/fornication (not detailed or explicit). Lingerie is mentioned. There are characters thinking of suicide as a way out. There are about two swear words in each book (b*tch is one of the words used).

**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!

So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
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Nov 14, 2011 Evangheline Farcas rated it it was amazing

Once more I was held captive by this book. Elisa and the struggle of the Jewish people is clearly portrayed in this book. Though it is fiction, often I forgot this as I read as I recognized many of the key events from the Holocost we incorporated into this book. Brock and Bodie Thoene showed us the great struggle as the few tried to raise the alarm to Hilter's dark nature. Murphy was an unforgettable character as he tried to get American's to open their eyes to the suffering and horror of the Je ...more

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Feb 11, 2015 Jomariem rated it really liked it

This was a very intense read, with some very believable, realistic, characters. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with the ending. It had a rushed, "let's get this book overwith" kind of feel to it. The ending would have provided a wonderful opportunity for some great reunions -- Charles with Louis, Murphy with Elisa, and Shimon with Leah, but all we get are a few lines about them at some kind of remembrance ceremony, and it's all VERY somber. Even though the sinking of the Darien was a hug ...more

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Aug 11, 2018 Claire rated it it was ok · review of another edition

The historical content of this book is so important. We need to be reminded of the treatment of Jewish refugees because it's relevant today. And it's something we don't hear much about in history classes.

However, the writing style still gets on my nerves! Pet phrases reused ad nauseum, over-the-top emotionalism, clichéd characterization, explaining what characters say and do as if the reader isn't smart enough, etc. ...more

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Feb 18, 2020 Bernie rated it really liked it

I am enjoying this series. For some reason, I am drawn to books, about these dark hours in history.
I am reading a kindle book, and for some reason book content(chapters) is not accessible. Buyers beware.

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Feb 11, 2012 Ruth Ann rated it really liked it

When I was a teen, a young man told me about his parents being on a ship and traveling from country to country. Everyone turned them away and they were finally made wards of the United Nations. Some of the events in Munich Signature could have been their story. His parents too were fleeing from Nazi controlled territories.

The book is part of the Zion Covenant series of historical fiction covering WWII. Munich Signature relates events in the European Theatre in the late 1930's as Hitler expanded ...more

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Dec 27, 2009 Mindy rated it really liked it

Even though I know the history of WWII, these books put a very personal insight into what went on with the people. Elisa is very "cloak and dagger" in this book as she is forced to be an undercover agent for the British to get her family passports to leave Praque.
I was brought to tears with the story of the "Darien", a ship full of jewish refugees, with no port to land in. They left there homes with nothing but the clothes on their back and the hope of a better future for their children. It is ...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Jen Stewart rated it it was amazing

I read this whole series several years ago. Each book was so well written. I was captivated by the characters, their stories and struggles. It was this series that really peaked by love for historical fiction.

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Mar 22, 2017 Dona rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: re-read, own

I started reading The Zion Covenant series in 1994. I finished the first six books in the series about a year later, and then years later found that there were nine in the series. I wanted to read the next three but knew I should reread the first six to become reacquainted with the storyline and characters. But when could I do this? There are so many other books to read for the first time! Finally, a cou[le of weeks ago, when I went to my bookshelf to decide which book I would read next, Vienna ...more

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Mar 15, 2018 Irene rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-in-2018

In May 1938 Hitler's Forces continue to swallow pieces of Europe, forcing Jews to flee from his ever-tightening net. Yet where can they go? While nations argue politics and negotiate payments, and British prime minister Neville Chamberlain accepts Hitler's signature of "peace in our time", homeless Jews bob on the open sea in "coffin ships."
After suffering through interment at Dachau and a hellish fire, Shimon Feldstein, former percussionist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, becomes a stow ...more

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Jul 18, 2018 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction

I wasn't sure I wanted to read the 3rd book right after the 2nd b/c of the amount of detail, characters and storylines buuut, I was sucked in right away and barely put the book down until I finished it.

I really have nothing profound to say about it--this is such an exciting series full of great characters, political intrigue and beautiful miracles. It's also so interesting b/c of the refugee conversation that's been happening in our country right now. It's almost the exact same thing that happen ...more

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Aug 22, 2018 Stephanie Fitzpatrick rated it liked it

Munich Signiture is the third book in the Zion covenant series by Bodie and Brock Thoene.
Given that this series is historical fiction it is interesting and fascinating learning about elements of world war 2 that I previously had no idea about. However some of the more detailed chapters about newspapers and government meeting for me are a bit of a slow read. It has took me longer to get through this book that is predecessors as it was not as action packed or fast paced. But I persevered nonethel ...more

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Sep 27, 2020 Danielle Gonzalez rated it it was amazing

This was such a great series! I was so engrossed in all of the characters, it was difficult to put the book down. I had many late nights as I stayed up to find out what would happen next. For anyone who has any interest in the resistance during the second world war, this is a must read! This gives great insight into other countries and the reactions during Hitler's "reign". You can really sense how different groups of people were feeling during this period - the fear, the uncertainty, the hope, ...more

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Feb 12, 2017 Lynn's rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Jews are desperate to leave Germany – but no country will take them. Hitler has his sights set on Czechoslovakia – and no country will stop him.

We often hear the phrase, “You don’t know what tomorrow holds.” After reading this book and re-living the reality that many people faced in the events leading up to World War II, all I can say is…that phrase is so true. One moment, everyday people like you and me were happily living their lives in pre-WWII Europe, and then the next moment their world The Jews are desperate to leave Germany – but no country will take them. Hitler has his sights set on Czechoslovakia – and no country will stop him.

We often hear the phrase, “You don’t know what tomorrow holds.” After reading this book and re-living the reality that many people faced in the events leading up to World War II, all I can say is…that phrase is so true. One moment, everyday people like you and me were happily living their lives in pre-WWII Europe, and then the next moment their world was turned upside down…and it wasn’t just the Jews Hitler was after.

In Munich Signature, Murphy, Eliza, Anna and Theo had to leave Czechoslovakia. Why? Weren’t they safe from Hitler there? No. The truth was, Hitler wasn’t satisfied with ruling Germany alone…nor Austria. He wanted it all and Czechoslovakia was his next target. While all of this was going on, the Jews were doing their best to leave Germany. Desperate, some spent the little resources they had for passage on what history called ghost ships. The Darien was such a ship, and it just so happens to be one of the main focuses of the storyline in Munich Signature. We are introduced to those on board the Darien for two purposes, 1) Shimon (Leah’s husband) ends up on this ship and 2) Murphy meets a lady named Mrs. Rosenfelt on his way to America, and her grandchildren were on that ship.

What is the definition of a ghost ship, like the Darien? They were called this because they left Germany with no official destination. Immigration quotas were full in every country, and no nation was allowing Jews to cross their borders. Therefore, the ship is stranded on the open waters. The Darien first sailed to London, but was refused to even enter the harbor for fear that people would attempt to jump off the boat and swim to land. Then it sailed to New York, where, by the mercy of God they were allowed to dock and receive supplies, but not disembark. Cuba was to be the next destination, but alas, you’ll have to read the story to see how that one turned out… After spending 396 pages with the little family of Mrs. Rosenfelt, you will begin to understand the desperation and hope families like these put into these ships. They hoped desperately for a nation to show compassion, and I guess that’s the hard part to swallow about this time in world history…no one did. No one. Yet, there they were, families – good people – abandoned, with no one who considered that their lives had any value.

Though the Darien wasn’t the sole topic of the book, it was another example of how Jews suffered at the hand of Hitler, and unfortunately, the nations that didn’t want to help them. In addition to that part of the storyline, the book also followed the lives of our favorite characters from the previous books and introduced us to new ones. Here, I should probably admit, that there were two characters from the previous books who breathed their last in this book…and I was so glad they did! Sporer, a high up in Hitler’s terrorist club, was executed by the Czech government for an attempt at assassinating their president. (The attempted assassination all happened in the last book.) Never had I felt so relieved when a bad guy bit the dust! Just the thought of that guy roaming free in Europe to work Hitler’s evil gave me goosebumps! Then, there’s George Wand. George was sent to murder Eliza, so he’s naturally someone we’re going to dislike. He almost succeeded, but by a sacrificial act of courage from Thomas, Wand was shot instead of Eliza. If anything could redeem Thomas from his original rejection of Eliza, then that scene was it. I won’t spoil it for you, because it’s too good not to be read as part of the story as a whole. With these bad guys out of the way, surely the danger was past…right? We’ll have to wait until the next book, Jerusalem Interlude, to find out!

Conclusion: The fate of a whole nation was decided by one signature on a piece of paper in Munich. That paper gave Hitler the right to step into Czechoslovakia…and all the nations of the world sat by and watched. America was too burdened by the struggles of the Great Depression to take on another country’s problem. England thought they were far enough away that such problems wouldn’t reach them, and the list goes on… The sobering fact, as Murphy pointed out to an opinionated cab driver in London, was that Germany was only a 20 minute flight from England. Of course, this makes England just as vulnerable to Hitler’s air force as any other country, but the sad part? The English couldn’t see that yet. Wow. What a lesson. The thing I learned the most from this book is simply that when evil is in power, no one is safe. No one. You think you’d be okay in Germany if you weren’t Jewish? Nope. Not so lucky! Charles Kronenberger was German. German! And still the Reich was out to end his life, even though he was just a child. (See my review of Prague Counterpoint to see how this.) In the end, Hitler succeeded and no one thought that his random power hungry streaks would ever bother them. If Munich Signature will teach you anything, it is this – don’t ever say, “That will never bother you.” If a problem is allowed to grow continually with no accountability, it will eventually take over. ...more

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Jul 16, 2017 Taryn Spearey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This was amazing! Elisa and Murphy are married and happy. But, when Hitler becomes a threat to their home, Murphy sends Elisa away on a ship with a little boy named Charles. Charles is unable to speak because his mouth is sewn. I find this sad that Charles can't speak. I hope things turn out good in the next book. ...more

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Oct 23, 2017 Cassandra rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction

I have loved all the books I have read by the Thoenes. This one is no exception. Sometimes it's hard to remember the impact historical events had on people who lived in that time, but the Thoenes really make history come to life. This book made me think a lot about events today, too, since the world today isn't really very different from what it was like in 1938. ...more

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May 14, 2018 Andrea rated it it was amazing

These books have made me think about so many things from our past and see how they are happening in our present as well. This particular book places a lot of focus on the immigration/refugee issue, and I found myself having to rethink the way things appear and how issues aren't black and white. I'm still hooked and have #4 ready to start tonight. ...more

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May 26, 2018 Lauren H rated it really liked it

This story was a bit of a slow read and a lot of sad choices were made among the leaders. The story shows how easy people can be deceived and not honor the oath they made with others. I’m grateful to understand better how WW2 started to grow from there and hopefully remember to recognize patterns of a war coming.

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Apr 05, 2020 Grace rated it it was ok

Okay, gonna be honest and say I did not like this one as much as the first two! It's so interesting though to read about the history so I stuck with it for that. I do enjoy following the character's stories and I'm still looking forward to reading the fourth book, but hoping it's more intriguing than Munich Signature... ...more

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Jul 25, 2017 Hanna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction, 1900s, adventure, books-owned, jewish

Murphy, and also Charles being fixed, automatically makes it four stars, but I felt that the ending was rushed. I mean, do we ever find out how Thomas just appeared? Or how Shimon actually survived? (Although I assume that was a miracle)

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Sep 06, 2017 Clara Roberts rated it did not like it

The book start off very well and then became dull and boring. Dialogue is ascribed to Hitler, Himmler, and Churchill that are inconsistent with known historical evidence. Having taught this period of history for many years I found their treatment of Thoene 's treatment grating.
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Apr 12, 2018 Jim Rickard rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great book.

This is the 4th or 5th time I've read this book. Well written, good plot. Even though I've read it before I still enjoyed it. If you enjoy history it is a great book and if you love the Lord it is even a better book. ...more

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Jan 26, 2019 Leash rated it liked it · review of another edition

This part of the series did not have as much suspense and action as the previous two. I would’ve preferred that Bodie Thoene included less political dialogue and more action and suspense between characters. As a whole, this book just seemed to drag on and have a slower pace than its predecessors.

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Feb 04, 2019 Hannah rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, thoene, christian-author, ww2, read-in-2019, 1930s-1940s

This book always takes me a while to get through, mostly because it's the most heartbreaking & gut wrenching of the series. It opened my eyes to the reality of the Holocaust that's more than the gas chambers & concentration camps. ...more

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May 08, 2019 Ruth rated it really liked it

What I like about this book is that the author wrote a very credible story it is not that everything ends happily ever after. Though there are parts of the story that offer some relief and happiness it is a tragic story. It will keep me reading more

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Jul 15, 2019 Carol Goodpaster rated it it was amazing

This story, set on many fronts, keeps the reader engaged as different Nazi and anit-Nazi characters play cat and mouse. Reads like a true story. Love the musical undertones of the plot. Will definitely be following it through the rest of the series.

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Aug 30, 2020 Bethany rated it really liked it

Shelves: family-relationships, new-york-city, world-war-ii, 1930s

Another excellent book in this series. Intrigue, espionage, political drama, and just a touch of romance. Plus, every chapter gives me something new to look up - a song, a fact, a piece of information to learn more about.

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May 16, 2018 Chrystal Hogan Hood rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own

This series was awesome!!

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Jun 06, 2018 Paige rated it really liked it

Shelves: world-war-two

The third book in the Zion Covenant series, Munich Signature is a powerful addition to the WWII landscape. I love all of the characters, even though I don't love all of their choices. ...more

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About Bodie Thoene

Bodie Thoene

972 followers

BODIE 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 E ...more