The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

Book Info

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 a copy: http://ow.ly/tB6wJ 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 My Take; This is a great story told in a captivating way.  Historical Biblical Fiction at it's finest.  This book captures the way that life probably was like during the time period of the last days of Christ.  I will be looking for more books by Stephanie Landsem.  This is the second in a series but you do not have had to read the first one in order to enjoy this book.  Highly recommended.