The Recommended Reading Order for Rendezvous with Destiny
If you want to experience the complete journey of American Captain Jake Burnes and French officer Pierre Servais, the best path forward is straightforward. Because the narrative progresses chronologically alongside the real-world events of the late 1940s, the publication order matches the story order perfectly. You should read the original novels in this sequence:
- Rhineland Inheritance (1993)
- Gibraltar Passage (1994)
- Sahara Crosswind (1994)
- Berlin Encounter (1995)
- Istanbul Express (1995)
However, when looking for these books today, you are likely to come across two other titles: In the Shadows of Victory (1998) and A Passage Through Darkness (2000). It is crucial to understand that these are not new sequels or standalone novels. Instead, they are omnibus collections published by Bethany House to compile the original stories. To avoid spending money on duplicate copies, keep this collection breakdown in mind:
- In the Shadows of Victory (1998): This volume contains the first three complete novels—Rhineland Inheritance, Gibraltar Passage, and Sahara Crosswind.
- A Passage Through Darkness (2000): This volume contains the final two novels of the main saga—Berlin Encounter and Istanbul Express.
If you prefer collecting omnibus editions, reading In the Shadows of Victory followed by A Passage Through Darkness will give you the entire five-book series in its proper chronological order.
A Closer Look at the Books
1. Rhineland Inheritance (1993)
The series opens in the immediate aftermath of World War II. We are introduced to Captain Jake Burnes, an American officer stationed on the tense border between Germany and France. Amid the devastation of the Rhineland, Jake is tasked with helping refugees and coordinating humanitarian efforts, particularly for war orphans. Along the way, he crosses paths with French officer Pierre Servais. Together, the two men uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving hidden Nazi treasure. The book establishes the central themes of the series: the moral complexities of the post-war occupation, the emotional scars left by combat, and the quiet, guiding force of Christian faith in times of crisis.
2. Gibraltar Passage (1994)
The second installment shifts focus to Pierre Servais. When rumors emerge that Pierre's twin brother—a hero of the French Resistance long thought dead—might actually have survived and is being held in North Africa, Pierre knows he must investigate. Accompanied by Jake, Pierre travels to Morocco. The mission forces Pierre to confront secrets from the Resistance era, navigating a web of espionage, loyalty, and betrayal. The setting shifts beautifully from the rubble of Europe to the exotic, politically charged ports of North Africa.
3. Sahara Crosswind (1994)
Continuing immediately from the events in Morocco, the third book follows Jake and Pierre as they are forced to flee into the depths of the Sahara Desert. They find themselves pursued by ruthless assassins and caught in the middle of local power struggles. As they fight to survive the harsh desert climate and outmaneuver their enemies, their bond of brotherhood is forged in fire. This novel leans heavily into classic historical adventure, using the expansive desert backdrop to test the characters' resilience and spiritual strength.
4. Berlin Encounter (1995)
Returning to the European theater, the fourth book places Jake Burnes—now promoted to Colonel—in the middle of one of the earliest crises of the Cold War. In a divided Germany, Jake is sent on a high-stakes undercover mission to smuggle two German rocket scientists out of the Soviet sector before they can be captured by Russian agents. Things take a highly personal turn when Jake's wife, Sally, discovers that Soviet double agents have compromised the operation. Sally ventures into the heart of Berlin during the escalating Soviet blockade to warn him, turning the mission into a frantic race against time and Joseph Stalin's closing iron grip.
5. Istanbul Express (1995)
The final novel in the main series serves as a grand conclusion to the saga. The setting moves to Turkey, where the threat of Communist expansion is looming large. Jake and Sally Burnes are dispatched to Istanbul to manage a diplomatic aid program aimed at stabilizing the region. Rejoined by Pierre and other allies, they must navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Istanbul and the waters of the Bosphorus to stop a Soviet conspiracy. The book wraps up the character arcs of the series, showing how these war-weary survivors have found healing, purpose, and a sense of destiny in their post-war lives.
What to Know Before You Start
T. Davis Bunn's writing is deeply influenced by his own personal history. Born in North Carolina, Bunn spent a significant portion of his adult life working in international business across Europe, visiting over 40 countries. His faith journey culminated in a conversion experience at age 28 while living in Germany. This blend of international experience and Christian faith is evident throughout the series. The historical settings feel authentic because Bunn lived in the regions he writes about, and the characters' spiritual struggles reflect his own path to faith.
Readers should note that this is clean historical fiction. While there is plenty of suspense, espionage, and action, the violence is never graphic, and the stories focus on themes of redemption, interfaith respect, and divine providence. It is an excellent fit for fans of historical thrillers who prefer a redemptive, faith-filled narrative arc.
Are There Spin-Offs or Co-Authored Expansions?
Unlike some of T. Davis Bunn's other works, such as the Song of Acadia and Heirs of Acadia series (which he co-authored with Janette Oke and Isabella Bunn), the Rendezvous with Destiny series stands completely on its own. There are no direct spin-off series or character crossovers into Bunn's other historical universes. Once you finish Istanbul Express (or the A Passage Through Darkness omnibus), the story of Jake Burnes and Pierre Servais is fully complete.