Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Publisher: Howard Books
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Publisher: Howard Books
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Series: The Living Water (Book Two)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by
death and failure. Desperate to escape the accursed Judean province, he
accepts a wager. If he can catch the thieves harassing the marketplace
before Passover, he’ll earn a transfer away from the troublemaking Jews.
Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp
tongue and no hope of marriage. Only with the help of Mouse, the best
thief in Jerusalem, can she keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and a
roof over their heads.
When a controversial teacher miraculously
heals Cedron, Longinus longs to learn more about the mysterious healer.
Instead, his journey leads him to Nissa, whose secret will determine the
course of both their futures.
Unexpectedly caught up in the arrest,
trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, they wonder who this teacher is who
heals others but does nothing to save himself. Is the mercy he offers in
his teachings real, or just another false promise? Can Nissa and
Longinus overcome their pasts to find a future free of their shackles?
Praise for The Thief
“Nissa’s tough demeanor as a cover for her
fear and and Longinus’ desire to live a life of peace in his mother’s
homeland of Gaul are achingly believable. Both characters are truly lost
souls brought together by Jesus’ act of mercy. Their discover, through
Him, that mercy is the true power that leads to peace is a reassurance
Christian readers can appreciate.” —Romantic Times, 4 1/2 stars
“To read The Thief is to be completely
transported to another time and place. Landsem’s impeccably researched
novel moves at breakneck speed toward a climax that doesn’t disappoint.”
—Rebecca Kanner, author of Sinners and the Sea (Rebecca Kanner, author of Sinners and the Sea)
“Powerful and moving, Landsem grabs hold
of the soul and never lets go. As compelling a portrait of mercy as I
have ever read. Don’t miss this one!” —Siri Mitchell, author of The Messenger (Siri Mitchell, author of The Messenger)
“Filled with memorable characters, The
Thief is a tale of hopelessness turned to hope, of high stakes made
higher, and ultimate love. What happens when a character at the lowest
rung of society crosses paths with the most well-known figure in
history? The story of The Thief. I couldn’t stop reading.” —Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Iscariot (Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Iscariot)
“WOW! LOVE IT!!! I started reading on my
way home from a conference and was so engrossed in the book I almost
missed the flight! The Thief stole my heart and lifted my spirit.
Masterfully told, this story of a Roman centurion and a Jewish girl
explores familiar New Testament passages but plumbs new spiritual
depths. A powerful message of faith and hope intersecting at the foot of
the cross.” —Mesu Andrews, author of In a Broken Vessel (Mesu Andrews, author of In a Broken Vessel)
“You know the feeling you get looking at a
mountain sunset, listening to sacred music while James Earl Jones reads
the Sermon on the Mount? The Thief captures that emotion in an
unforgettable story of desperation and beauty.” —Regina
Jennings, author of Caught in the Middle and Sixty Acres and a Bride
(Regina Jennings, author of Caught in the Middle and Sixty Acres and a
Bride)
“A compelling story and vivid characters
immediately come off the page and into your heart as Stephanie Landsem
brings ancient Jerusalem to life in her enthralling second novel, The
Thief. As you run through the streets with the little thief, Mouse, or
dip in the Pool of Siloam with the secretive Nissa, a masterful tale
full of adventure, heartbreak, and hope unfolds. A must-read for anyone
who loves a good book they simply can’t put down.” —Laura Sobiech, author of Fly a Little Higher (Laura Sobiech, author of Fly a Little Higher)
Buy the Book
My Thoughts
The story told here is one that though inspired by the unparalleled brilliance that is the New Testament,
manages to tell its own story in a clear and compelling voice that beckons the reader to not only read,
but to receive its message of unwavering faith, the redemptive power of love, and the mercy of forgiveness.
Set in Jerusalem,
The Thief tells the story of Nissa/Mouse, a young Jewess, at a crossroads in her
life, and seemingly so far from the loving bosom of the God of her forefathers.
Nissa has no choice it seems, but to risk life and limb by assuming the identity of Mouse,
a highly skilled thief.
When her nefarious activities put her in the sights of Longinus, a centurion of Rome, bound and determined to bring the elusive thief to justice;
Nissa finds herself having to reevaluate long held beliefs and reconsider her path.
Further complications arise when her brother, Cedron, blind since birth, is healed by Jesus and
becomes an outspoken radical for the new Messiah.
As word spreads of Jesus' great works and wonders,
our three main characters finds their fates becoming more closely entwined both
with each other,
and with that of Jesus.
While it is true that this story is set in and around the time of the Crucifixion;
the author is very careful not to allow those events to overshadow the story of
her three main characters.
What readers are presented with when reading The Thief, is a beautiful and inspiring blend
of faith and fiction;
made to feed both the mind and the soul of each person fortunate enough to peruse its pages.
Reviewer's Note:
This book is the second in a trilogy that may be read as standalone volumes, or
enjoyed serially.
About the Author
Stephanie
writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times
and places. In real life, she’s backpacked through Germany and Eastern
Europe, studied in Salzburg, enjoyed gelato in Italy, rode a camel in
Morocco, and floated in the salty Corinthian Sea. Her favorite cities
are Rome, Berlin and Budapest. Her travels kindle her imagination, fuel
her love of history and foreign culture, and introduce her to
one-of-a-kind characters.
Stephanie is equally happy at home in
Minnesota with her husband of 22 years, four children, three fat cats,
and a tortoise named Moe. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the
ravenous horde, volunteering at church and school, battling dandelions,
and dreaming about her next adventure – whether it be in person or on
the page.
The Thief is an evocative story of two
people trapped in their circumstances and the life-changing power of
forgiveness and love.
Author Links
The Thief Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, September 8
Review at Queen of All She Reads
Review at Historical Novel Review & Great Historicals
Review at Queen of All She Reads
Review at Historical Novel Review & Great Historicals
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