Picture a dynamic duo weaving tales of faith, history, and heart—meet Bodie and Brock Thoene! This American husband-and-wife team has penned over 65 Christian historical fiction novels, selling 35 million copies worldwide and earning eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. Their stories, rich with meticulous research and emotional depth, transport readers from the turmoil of World War II to the dusty streets of first-century Jerusalem.
With a knack for blending spiritual themes and gripping narratives, the Thoenes have become legends in Christian fiction. Their work doesn’t just entertain—it educates, inspiring readers and even college classrooms to dive deep into history’s pivotal moments. Ready to explore their remarkable journey?
The Making of Bodie & Brock Thoene
Born in Bakersfield, California, Bodie (1951) and Brock (1952) met as toddlers and married as college sophomores in 1970. Bodie kicked off her career as a teen journalist, later writing for U.S. News & World Report and The Saturday Evening Post. She even worked as a screenwriter for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions, earning praise from the Duke himself as a writer who “captures the people and the times.” Brock, with a PhD in history, brought scholarly rigor to their partnership, serving as researcher and storyline consultant. Their shared passion for storytelling and history sparked a prolific writing career that’s still thriving.
Bodie & Brock Thoene’s Unforgettable Stories
The Thoenes’ novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending vivid characters with meticulously researched settings. Their Zion Covenant series (1989–2005) follows characters navigating the rise of Nazi terror in 1930s Europe. Vienna Prelude, the series opener, immerses readers in the chilling atmosphere of 1936 Vienna, where faith and courage are tested. The A.D. Chronicles (2004–2012) transport readers to first-century Judea, with First Light depicting a blind man’s encounter with Jesus. Their Shiloh Legacy series tackles the American Depression, weaving tales of resilience and hope.
Known for their cinematic style, the Thoenes craft stories that feel like epic films. Their prose is accessible yet profound, balancing spiritual insights with historical accuracy. Themes of faith, redemption, and human endurance resonate across their works, earning praise for rivaling the intensity of James Michener. With series like The Zion Chronicles and The Galway Chronicles, they’ve covered everything from Israel’s 1948 birth to Ireland’s 1840s famine, proving their versatility and storytelling prowess.
Why Bodie & Brock Thoene Matter
The Thoenes’ impact on Christian historical fiction is monumental. Their novels, recognized by the American Library Association and Zionist libraries, are used in college classrooms to teach history. Over 35 million books sold in 30 languages speak to their global reach. They’ve also touched lives beyond the page, distributing 38,000 books to U.S. prisoners, earning heartfelt letters from readers. Their children, Jake and Luke, carry on the family’s writing legacy, ensuring the Thoenes’ influence endures.
Their ability to humanize history while weaving spiritual truths has made them beloved by readers seeking both inspiration and education. By spotlighting lesser-known historical moments with empathy and authenticity, they’ve redefined the genre, inviting readers to see faith in action through turbulent times.
- Birth Years: Bodie (1951), Brock (1952)
- Key Works: Zion Covenant, A.D. Chronicles, Shiloh Legacy
- Awards: Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards
- Fun Fact: Bodie worked with John Wayne on film scripts!
Snag Vienna Prelude or First Light and dive into the Thoenes’ spellbinding world of faith-filled historical fiction!