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Zion Legacy #3
Jerusalem's Heart
It is May 23, 1948, and Jewish and Muslim forces have been in brutal conflict since the new State of Israel was proclaimed nine days ago. The Zion Gate is closed and the Haganah patriots, struggling to hold on to the Old City, are running out of supplies. Inside the city, the defenders' valiant spirit threatens to fail. The leading Haganah strategist, Moshe Sachar, is trapped in enemy territory and desperately races to reach his pregnant wife, Rachel, and the others who continue to fight for the Old City. Rachel's grandfather sees a prophecy of hope for Jerusalem, but can Moshe reach them before it's too late?
Jerusalem's Heart is a riveting novel of the battle to liberate the world's holiest city. Once again, Bodie and Brock Thoene combine an unsurpassed and timely blend of history, superb storytelling, and incredible drama that thrills from cover to cover.
Jerusalem's Heart is a riveting novel of the battle to liberate the world's holiest city. Once again, Bodie and Brock Thoene combine an unsurpassed and timely blend of history, superb storytelling, and incredible drama that thrills from cover to cover.
328 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2001
2 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
205 books1,377 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 9, 2016
Another on-the-edge-of-your-seat sequel. Bodie Thoene is a master story teller, with well developed characters and enough surprises in the plot to keep you wondering, "what next"! So, three down and three to go in this amazing series... just one little glitch... we're missing the last two books!!! So, I'm on a treasure hunt of my own!
January 6, 2012
Great historical retelling of the beginning of Statehood of Israel, good characterisations and authentic Messianic Jewish culture. I also liked that it was fair about the different peoples/cultures/religions involved, even though the book was told from the (Messianic) Jewish perspective.
June 28, 2017
Even tho' this is the middle of a series, it does stand alone. The narrative is interesting; I learned things about the fight for Jerusalem that I hadn't known before. But i could not get interested in the characters and felt like I didn't really understand their motives.
February 4, 2021
The great read continues as I rest after having COVID over here in Africa. Sadly, I don't have the next 3 books of this series with me. I just ordered them and will read them once I'm home again.
Read this one straight through. What a harrowing story. Enjoyed following along in historical accounts online. A great read.
Read this one straight through. What a harrowing story. Enjoyed following along in historical accounts online. A great read.
November 5, 2015
The Heart of Jerusalem is the third novel in the legacy series by Brock and Bodie Thoene. This series continues the characters you love from the Zion Chronicles and The Zion Covenant series. This series continues to follows the history of the country of Israel.
Synopsis:
The fight for Israel has begun…The Hagenah soldiers have spread across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and other areas. Moshe and Dov have struck a critical blow to the Arab Legion to protect the old city where the Jews reside. Will it be enough? Ellie is given an assignment to cover Madame Rose for the people back in America because of her work with the immigrant Jews. Will she be able to complete her assignment and find her husband? Lori is a medic posted in the old city of Jerusalem helping keep the soldiers alive while her husband Jacob fights on other fronts. Will any of it be enough to save the old city in Jerusalem?
My Thoughts:
I cannot say that I recommend this novel. The reason is that it took major effort to get through this novel. There is a direction taken by these authors for future writing. I just don’t understand the point. Some great characters are continued such as: Moshe, Rachel, Ellie, David, Jacob, and Lori. There are more that I could mention. The plot deflates in many places in the story which the reader will struggle to follow.
I consider supporting Israel as important but feel that this novel is not one to recommend with great enthusiasm.
Synopsis:
The fight for Israel has begun…The Hagenah soldiers have spread across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and other areas. Moshe and Dov have struck a critical blow to the Arab Legion to protect the old city where the Jews reside. Will it be enough? Ellie is given an assignment to cover Madame Rose for the people back in America because of her work with the immigrant Jews. Will she be able to complete her assignment and find her husband? Lori is a medic posted in the old city of Jerusalem helping keep the soldiers alive while her husband Jacob fights on other fronts. Will any of it be enough to save the old city in Jerusalem?
My Thoughts:
I cannot say that I recommend this novel. The reason is that it took major effort to get through this novel. There is a direction taken by these authors for future writing. I just don’t understand the point. Some great characters are continued such as: Moshe, Rachel, Ellie, David, Jacob, and Lori. There are more that I could mention. The plot deflates in many places in the story which the reader will struggle to follow.
I consider supporting Israel as important but feel that this novel is not one to recommend with great enthusiasm.
February 18, 2024
The third book in the series, " Zion Legacy", and I'm hooked on the entire story plot.
Based on the struggles experienced by the Jewish settlers in the land of the reclaimed country of Israel. It's only a few days after the proclamation of the "new" Israel, on May 23, 1948.
The characters, introduced in earlier books, cause us to catch our breath, ponder how they'll survive in the midst of such war induced conditions.
Truly, God leads His people through miraculous situations.
The Thoenes' writings for the people of Israel are to be commended. I'm grateful for their writings.
Based on the struggles experienced by the Jewish settlers in the land of the reclaimed country of Israel. It's only a few days after the proclamation of the "new" Israel, on May 23, 1948.
The characters, introduced in earlier books, cause us to catch our breath, ponder how they'll survive in the midst of such war induced conditions.
Truly, God leads His people through miraculous situations.
The Thoenes' writings for the people of Israel are to be commended. I'm grateful for their writings.
July 5, 2023
This book was more interesting than SOME of Bodie’s other books. I was very very curious how things worked out and I did enjoy it a lot. It’s only downfall is that it was more of the same of her other books. Though I definitely think this story was a bit “same ole, same ole”, it is necessary in the series.
October 19, 2019
Another great fiction story on the fall of Jerusalem. Caution, this has a very sad ending. However, this comes to the truth with fictional characters of what probably happened.
December 22, 2022
Love, love these books
May 25, 2023
Intense. I was in the heart and emotion of what was being experienced by the characters in the story. Picked up the next one to see where it will lead.
September 5, 2013
This book takes you back to Israel 9 days after thier declaration of an independant free Jewish State. Your in Israel, In the old Jewish city of Jerusalem fighting off incredible odds for surival praying to the one true God of Israel, for survival for Jerusalem,the new Nation of Israel and for you to be able to live to see God's promises come true. You are desparate, little food, almost no water and your friends are suffering,wounded or killed as you hold on tenaciously to what little hope that you can grasp. The main characters have become your friends over these 1st three books, You hunger and thirst with them cry and grieve with them. This a real life struggle which continues today.
September 24, 2013
I'm not sure I really wanted to know how brutal the war for independence was, but this novel tells it all. Miserable conditions with little food and water, few weapons, few available to defend Jerusalem, and many dead or wounded - with no medicine, of course. But God was there, walking among them, suffering with them, keeping them going.
May He continue, as their struggle never seems to end.
(For more info, see other reviews!)
May He continue, as their struggle never seems to end.
(For more info, see other reviews!)
June 1, 2014
Action, love-story, and mystery all wrapped up in this book. Even though I am very aware of the ultimate outcome, I find myself worrying for everyone in Jerusalem and relating in very deep and personal ways to the characters in this story. The story-telling is superb and evokes an array of emotions in this reader. The ending brought tears to my eyes (a very rare occurrence). I can't wait to get the next book in the series!!
February 7, 2017
I found the beginning of this book to be very slow. I was wondering if I would need to call it quits on the series, it felt like events were being dragged out, but then things picked up and I couldn't put the book down. I also appreciated that this book was a little more "grown up" in its writing and subject matter, and I continue to learn more about Israel's history.
May 22, 2010
exhausting. I learned more about the struggle for Jerusalem But I didn't like it as much as the others I've read - minimal character development and the ending just bums you out. Read to learn, not to relax or escape.
March 8, 2014
The siege of Jerusalem continues in this gripping third novel. If you've been following these characters, you'll love this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 26, 2012
Very well written~almost scary how what happened to Israel back in 1948 is poised to happen again. I love the historical accuracy and the interwoven story lines.
September 12, 2015
Amazing, outstanding, wonderful, epic. I love the Thoenes.
July 4, 2023
Only nine days have passed since the fight for the State of Israel has begun in this series. The number of references to historical events and people are amazing.
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December 8, 2008YA Tho
November 28, 2018
I was warned I'd cry. Dripped all over the last pages.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews