"Nissa's tough demeanor as a cover for her fear and Longinus' desire for 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 discovery, through Him, that mercy is the true power that leads to peace is a reassurance Christian readers can appreciate." —
Romantic Times, 4.5 stars (
Romantic Times, 4.5 stars)
“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)
"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)
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she 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.