MOTHER OF THREE: The Thief

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

The Thief

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

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.

To see what others are saying about The Thief, visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

The Thief is the second book in Landsem's The Living Water series. I knew when I read the first book, The Well, that I would be reading every book Landsem wrote. Anyone who has ever had the deceiving lie of the enemy, "You don't have a choice", whispered in their ear should read this book.

Landsem writes with such vivid description and seasoned research; she takes her readers and places them on the dusty streets of Jerusalem and eventually to the foot of the cross at Calvary. I got "lost" in the story and felt the emotions of the characters. Landsem drove me to the Word of God. She presents the clear gospel message that you and I DO have a choice...a transforming choice...and His name is Jesus. This would be the perfect novel for a Lenten focus.

The only point of criticism I have about the book (non-consequential and really a personal preference) is that I would love to have a glossary of terms included. Many of the terms she uses can be deduced from the context in which they are used, but the glossary would be helpful nonetheless.