The Thief by Stephanie Landsem - REVIEWED

About the Book:

A Roman centurion longing for peace and a Jewish woman hiding a deadly secret witness a miracle that transforms their lives and leads them to the foot of the cross.

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?

The Thief is an evocative story of two people trapped in their circumstances and the life-changing power of forgiveness and love.

Purchase your copy HERE.

My Thoughts:

“The last thing I need is to get involved with these crazy people.” (p. 81)

Longinus is a Roman Centurion who has grown very disillusioned with his life and his duty to Rome.  The last thing he ever expected was to  encounter a young Jewish woman with a discontentment stronger than his own.  He never expected that she held the answers to the questions he sought – the solution to a wager he never intended to make.

Nissa’s life as a young Jewish woman is tragic to say the least.  As you get to know her heart and you witness her choices – or rather the lack of choice she faces day after day – you begin to understand and feel the hopelessness that surrounds her.  A miraculous event changes her circumstances in profound ways, but not enough to bring the faith that so many others have placed in the Jewish carpenter from Nazareth.  Many say he will bring revolution to the Jewish people, many call him blasphemer.  Nissa only knows that she has been placed in a desperate situation, and each day brings even greater desperation.

Then life begins to take unexpected twists and turns, Jesus comes to Jerusalem and is betrayed, and Nissa and Longinus – a most unlikely pair  - find their lives inextricably intertwined.

This is a phenomenal story that takes you into the heart of the Jewish culture just before Passover – and the crucifixion. Your heart will be transformed along with the characters in the story – and you will find yourself at the foot of the cross with Longinus and Nissa.  WHAT AN INCREDIBLE STORY!!  This is a must read for everyone!

About the Author:

Stephanie Landsem loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she's not writing, she's feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure---whether it be in person or on the page.

Learn more about Stephanie at: http://www.stephanielandsem.com