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.

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

About this book: 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?

About the author: (from Litfuse Publicity) 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. Find out more about Stephanie at http://www.stephanielandsem.com.

Genre: Fiction/Christian/Historical

Judge this book by its cover? I love this cover, with its warm, ancient hues and imagery; it’s one of the reasons I was persuaded to try this 1st-century historical novel, which normally I don’t gravitate to. The cover art perfectly captures the tone and content of the story.

If this book were a movie, I would rate it: PG-13 for realistic (but never gratuitous) depictions of violence.

Reminds me of… Brock and BodieThoene’s When Jesus Wept and A.D. Chronicles series; Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion and Sons of Encouragement series

You’ll want to buy this book if … you like fictionalized re-tellings of New Testament tales, finding that they breathe fresh life into familiar stories. Find out what other bloggers are saying HERE. (Click the REVIEWS bar.)

Why did I read this book? As a Litfuse blogger, for Howard Books for review

Would I read another by this author? In a heartbeat

 My take:  One of the first things that struck me about this novel was its bounty of detail and description of first-century Palestine. I also appreciated how, from the start, it introduced fresh ideas about this long-ago Jewish culture that I’d never before considered: a Jewish father with a gambling problem, a mother with an alcohol addiction. It brought a contemporary, relevant feel to the female main character’s problems.

Also from the start, I liked very much that the centurion, Longinus, was not your typical (stereotypical?) Italian/Roman but one from the farther reaches of the empire; he has red hair, blue eyes, fair skin and freckles. I found Nissa, the female Jewish protagonist, equally original and winsome in her own prickly way.

Personally, I found Landsem’s style and story even more engaging than the writings of other giants of 1st-century historical fiction I’ve read. Rarely have I found a novel with more intricate plotting and skillful tightening of the tension, which still managed to stay within the bounds of Scripture. So desperately did I want things to turn out well for Longinus and Nissa, despite the seemingly impossible odds, that I found it nearly impossible to resist turning to end to see how the author resolved their problems. But I did resist. Barely. And was not disappointed.

All in all, a most impressive feat.

Thanks to Howard Books for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.

Now your turn: What do you think about fictionalizing Bible stories? Does is enhance your understanding or distract from it?