Marian Baay reviews THE THIEF by Stephanie Landsem

THE THIEF

By Stephanie Landsem

Howard Books, 2014

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

Since I read The Well by Stephanie Landsem last year, I have been looking forward to more books by this talented author. The Thief was another excellent and exciting adventure set during Jesus’ walk on earth. This book tells the story of the sister of the man born blind who was healed by Jesus in John chapter 9. In this book his name is Cedron.

Nissa is Cedron’s sister and she is the one taking care of their family. Their father gambles away their rent money and their mother is drunk most of the time. One day when Nissa was out pocket-picking, she was caught by a tall Greek named Dismas. The Greek is also a thief and teaches her the rules of stealing. Since then they would always go thieving together, forming an excellent pick-pocket duo. Dismas does not know Nissa is a girl, because when they meet she is dressed like a boy. One day she is caught by a Roman centurion, but Dismas distracts the man so that Nissa can get away.

After Cedron is healed by Jesus, he is rejected by his parents and no longer welcome in their home. Nissa takes him to a hideout where they stay for the night. Shortly afterwards she finds a house to rent, but in order to make the monthly payment Nissa must continue stealing. Although she does not want to do it anymore, there is no other way for her to make money. There is just simply nothing she is good at, except for picking pockets.

Longinus is the centurion we have met before in The Well. He is still looking for Cipio’s murderer and now he is also looking for a small thief and his Greek companion. They knew to escape once, but he will make sure that does not happen twice.

Longinus is a witness of Cedron’s healing and after Cedron and Nissa are rejected and scorned by their own people, he brings them to safety. He is concerned about the Jewish brother and sister and checks on them regularly. Not looking for a woman, he finds himself attracted to Nissa anyhow. But a relationship between a Jewish woman and a Roman centurion is as good as impossible. When he does not make any progress finding the thieves, he hires Cedron to go out and gather information about them. Longinus made a deal with his superior that he would find the thieves before Passover. If he does not succeed, he will lose his sword—the precious reminder of his father, who was a brave Roman centurion.

One day when Nissa meets Dismas, he has brought another man with him, and they go out stealing together. The man is called Gestas and he is mean and greedy. He leads Nissa in a terrible situation. Afterwards Nissa decides she does not want to steal anymore . . . ever! But then Gestas discovers Nissa’s secret and threatens her. She has no other choice then to continue pick-pocketing for this evil man. After months of stealing for Gestas, she comes up with a plan to get rid of him, but that does not go as she had hoped or planned.

When Cedron finds out that Nissa is the thief he was looking for, will he ever forgive her or will he also turn against her like everyone else? And what will happen when Longinus discovers what Nissa has done?

Will the Jewish young woman and the tough Roman centurion find healing and forgiveness?

This is a wonderful book full of rich historical details, well developed characters, excellent writing, and a fabulous plot. At times I found myself on the edge of my seat; almost too anxious to continue reading—how could this book ever have a satisfying ending?

Highly recommended!

You can find Stephanie's books at Amazon, CBD, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: One copy of this great book, winner's choice of paperback or ebook. International Winner ebook only. Don't forget your email address so we can contact you if you are our winner!

Teresa S. Mathews reviews The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

The Living Water Series Book Two

Howard Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again Stephanie Landsem takes us on a journey back to Biblical times. Opening page finds us in the crowded streets of Jerusalem, where we are following along with the infamous Mouse, a young thief who is known for his speed and agility. His partner an older Greek man named Dismas has taught Mouse well; to anyone seeing Mouse they would think him just a poor, dirty, hungry boy wandering the streets. No one would ever guess Mouse's true identity.

Mouse is almost caught stealing by a fierce red-haired Centurion named Longinus. Thankfully Dismas came back to help Mouse escape or he would have been scourged or maybe worse. Now Mouse has to watch his every step because Longinus is determined to catch the thieves and Diamas has warned Mouse he won't come back again to rescue him because Mouse it not worth dying for.

Nissa, a young Jewish girl has been abused her whole life by her father, a lazy gambler and her mother, a drunk. She learned early on she is a plain, worthless girl that no one will ever want to marry.  The only person in the world that Nissa knows loves her is her blind older brother Cedron. When their father gambles away their rent money, Nissa knows she has to take up his slack so they won't starve or be thrown in the street. So with the help of Mouse she provides for her family.

When rumors are spread about a man named Jesus healing people Cedron begs Nissa to take him to meet this healer. To Nissa's joy and amazement Jesus heals Cedron but that joy is crushed when the Sanhedrin bar Cedron from ever coming to the Temple again when he gives Jesus praise for his healing. The last straw was when their parents banish them from their house. With no money and nowhere to go will Nissa be able to get help from Mouse once again or will they be caught by the dreaded Centurion?

What an incredible story this is! From the minute I read the blurb on the back I knew I was hooked. It was so incredible to be drawn into a time when Jesus walked the earth, Stephanie did a superb job describing the different things that led up to the time of Jesus' crucifixion. I don't want to give anything away but I will tell you I had tears streaming down my face at the powerful descriptions Stephanie used to portray Jesus' prayer in the Garden and then his crucifixion. Thank you Stephanie for this moving story, and I can't wait for The Tomb to come out next year! 

You can find this book at Amazon, Christian Book, Barnes and Noble and your local bookstore.

Giveaway:  We are giving away one copy of this great book this week, winner's choice of paperback or ebook. International Winner ebook only. To enter the giveaway please like Stephanie's Facebook Author Page and tell us you did in your comment. Don't forget your email address so we can contact you if you are our winner!

Marian's Favorites of 2013

Favorite Novels

Whispers from the Shadows

by Roseanna M. White

Murder, spies, secrets, war, love, grief, forgiveness, faith... There’s so much to enjoy in this story. The characters and plot were very well developed and the writing is clear and exciting. 

The Heiress of Winterwood

by Sarah E. Ladd

I immediately fell in love with Amelia and Graham. Both are strong characters with flaws—which they must overcome. The storyline is strong and believable. The characters are real and likable. There was never a good time to stop reading—I kept turning the pages and the ending was satisfactory. I’m looking forward to Sarah Ladd’s next book!

The Rose of Lancaster County

by Murray Pura

A fantastic story with great characters and…oh, the romance!! Mr. Pura knows what a woman wants in a romance story and he happily pens it down for us all to enjoy.

Under a Blackberry Moon
by Serena B. Miller

Awesome story about two characters from Serena Miller's The Measure of Katie Calloway—Skypilot and Moon Song.

An interesting story with unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages.

When the Clouds Roll By
by Myra Johnson

The writing style is excellent! After having read the first pages, I was so drawn into the story that I knew this was going to be a great read…and I wasn’t disappointed! This book has an original storyline and kept me guessing till the end. Highly recommended!

Widow of Gettysburg 
by Jocelyn Green

A well written, heart wrenching story set during the Civil War. Very well done!

Promise to Return
by Elizabeth Byler Younts

This author knows how to keep the suspense high and keep the reader guessing. I have shed several tears while reading this fantastic book, so I advise keeping the tissues handy. I’m going to keep my eye on this author and I’m surely going to read the next book in this series.

Misery Loves Company

by Rene Gutteridge

As a blogger and reviewer I was drawn like a magnet to the storyline in this book. What more fun can there be than to read about the main character being a blogger and reviewer, and who is being kidnapped by her favorite author? :-)

Ashton Park 
by Murray Pura

A wonderful first book in a trilogy about the Danforths of Lancashire. I've read the complete series and loved all the books. If you like to read books with many characters and various plots, then this series is for you.

The Well

by Stephanie Landsem

I enjoyed this book immensely! The writing is excellent; the author has a pleasant voice, the plot is very well done, the characters are so real, easy to love, and easy to identify with. From the first till the last page this book is a pure delight. 

A Heart Deceived

by Michelle Griep

This author really can write!! She has an unique way with words that drew me into the story right away. The descriptions are so rich and full, I could almost feel, hear, smell, and touch them. The emotions splattered from the pages—fear, despair, unfairness, hope, love, romance! Extremely well written, excellent research, and a brilliant plot!! 

Stealing the Preacher
by Karen Witemeyer

Not only a lovely cover, but an enjoyable story as well. This was such a treat!

Forsaken Dreams
by MaryLu Tyndall

A wonderful first book in a new series—I enjoyed this book very much. I love the author's rich descriptions and she always creates the best characters!

Favorite novellas & short stories:

Return to Shirley Plantation

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Our very own Carrie surprised me with her wonderful debut novella. I loved reading about Angelina and Matthew—how they met at Shirley Plantation and how the first sparks of chemistry filled the air. But this is not only a love story—it is war and there are secrets and a mystery to unravel.

Bachelor Buttons
by Kathleen L. Maher

Another wonderful novella by a debut author. This is a sweet love story set during the Civil War. Bachelor Buttons is a lovely story about regular people's lives during the Civil War. Kathleen Maher has a fresh and pleasant writing-style which makes this story an enjoyable read.

All the Pretty Little Ponies

by Murray Pura

This is one of the sweetest short stories I have read in a long time. It tugged at my heartstrings and I sniffled through the whole story. It's so touching, so warm, so sweet, and awesome.

The Painted Sky

by Murray Pura

Make sure to check out this  wonderful series with great characters based on your OWG friends! :-) In this series Mr. Pura has given us an unforgettable adventure in the eight volumes of The Painted Sky!

A cup of Christmas Cheer
by various authors, including our own CARRIE!

I haven't read all the stories in this volume yet, but I enjoyed Carrie's story so much, that I can honestly say it is one of my favorite Christmas stories I've read this year!!—and I've read plenty!

Favorite devotional:

Majestic and Wild

by Murray Pura

Our friend Murray has published many books this year and I loved them all—fiction and non-fiction as well. All his books are among my favorites this year, but his devotional Majestic and Wild has blessed me the most of all the books I've read in 2013! 

The Well by Stephanie Landsem Reviewed by Marian Baay

The Well

The Well

by Stephanie Landsem

Howard Publishers, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

An Amazing Debut Novel

Mara is a 15 year old Samaritan girl who lives with her younger, crippled brother and her mother in a small clay house in Sychar. Mara’s mother, Nava, is mentally unstable, and Mara is trying to take care of her mother and brother. She is scorned in the village because of her mother’s sins, so life is not easy for Mara.

There’s a pagan man named Alexandros who stops by their house once in a while to stay the night with Nava. No one can know about this because the people of Sychar will stone Nava if they ever find out.

Mara is trying to persuade Nava to turn Alexandros down next time, because she is living in constant fear that her mother’s ‘secret’ will be exposed.

Shem is a young man from Caesarea where he received a good education, and where he could live a good life…if he hadn’t gotten himself into trouble. His father is sending him away to his grandparents in Sychar. Once there, he rescues Mara from three boys who are bullying her on her way to the well—and in doing so he makes his first enemies in Sychar.

One day Nava is going to the well where she meets Jesus. He knows all about her husbands and doesn’t condemn her. She receives new life at the well and is changed after that. But the village people refuse to believe she’s changed—they want to punish her for her sin.

When something bad happens to her mother, Mara is called in a dream by Jesus. Meanwhile Jesus has left Sychar and has gone elsewhere. Mara and Shem go after him—together they travel from Sychar to Nazareth, and further. On the way they get into several dangerous situations.

Will they find Jesus? Will her mother get healed? And what is the reason Jesus called Mara to come to him?

I enjoyed this book immensely! It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. The writing is excellent; the author has a pleasant voice, the plot is very well done, the characters are so real, easy to love, and easy to identify with. From the first till the last page, this book is a pure delight. I highly recommend this book!

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GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of The Well, choice of format, to one commenter this week. 

TO ENTER: Like Stephanie Landsem's author page on Facebook to be entered in the contest. Put SL in your comment when you have done so. Also don't forget to leave your email address.

Stephanie Landsem – Testimony

Stephanie Landsem

Stephanie Landsem is the author of The Well – this is her debut novel.

Like Nava, the Samaritan woman at the well in my novel, The Well, I struggled with post-partum depression. Although it was not severe, it was a difficult experience but one that I found increased my reliance on God and trust in Him.

After three children, I’d never experienced post-partum depression, and therefore the thought of it didn’t even cross my mind when my youngest child was born. When she was a few months old, we had the opportunity to move across the country to California for my husband’s job. I thought to myself, “Sure, I can do this, it will be an adventure!” Warm weather, the beach, what’s not to love?

But as we settled into our new home, I found myself in a strange place with no friends and four children under 7, all struggling to fit into their new environments. My husband was buried under new job responsibilities and long hours.

Pretty soon, I could hardly get out of bed in the morning. My joy was stolen – the joy in my new baby, my toddler, kindergartner and oldest daughter.  Nothing could reach through my haze of sadness and weariness. The beach, which I’ve always loved, held no allure. The sunny days seemed to stretch into endless hours when all I wanted to do was escape into sleep.

As often happens with depression, I didn’t know what was wrong with me and I didn’t want to talk about it. I was good at hiding it from everyone—my husband, the kids, my friends back home—but I knew something was wrong. It wasn’t long before I felt completely cut off and alone. On desperate day, I finally turned to God and laid it on him. I said, “You have to help me. I can’t do it myself.”

I wish I could say that I felt a peace flowing over me like Nava did in The Well, but it wasn’t like that. It was much more gradual. First, I was finally able to asked for help from those who loved me. I stopped pretending and started trusting. I saw a doctor, starting taking care of myself, and slowly—a little bit each day—began to enjoy life again.

The Well

I realized that God doesn’t expect us to do it all alone. He’s given us our family, our friends, and Himself – we just have to ask for help and it is there, waiting for us.

Biography

Stephanie writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s backpacked through Germany and Eastern Europe, studied in Salzburg, enjoyed gelato in Italy, rode a camel in Morocco, and floated in the salty Corinthian Sea. Her favorite cities are Rome, Berlin and Budapest. Her travels kindle her imagination, fuel her love of history and foreign culture, and introduce her to one-of-a-kind characters.

Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, three fat cats, and a tortoise named Moe. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, volunteering at church and school, battling dandelions, and dreaming about her next adventure – whether it be in person or on the page.

You can find Stephanie online at:
stephanielandsem.com
www.facebook.com/stephanielandsem
https://twitter.com/#!/stephlandsem
http://pinterest.com/slandsem/

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GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of The Well, choice of format, to one commenter this week. Answer the question to be entered in the contest. Also leave your email address if we don't know you.

QUESTION: What compels you to read historical or biblical fiction?

Marian Baay's Top Picks for Summer Reading 2013

Vacation in Portugal 2000

Here are some books I really enjoyed reading this year and I'm sure you will enjoy them too. 

All of them will make a great Summer Read!

Click on the titles to find the books on Amazon.

In no particular order.

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Once Upon A Prince

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

What girl has not dreamed about being a princess? Or to be loved by a handsome prince? I think all girls have - at least I have!

This is a fantastic read with lovely characters - an ordinary American girl meets a handsome prince!

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A Road Called Love

A Road Called Love by Murray Pura

Exciting and adventurous!
This story made me think about life and God, and what matters and what doesn't.
FOUR fat volumes - only $0.99 each through June 1st. So, grab them while they're on sale!
This summer also available in paperback.

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Stealing the Preacher

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Not only a fabulous cover, but a lovely read as well!

Yes, when I saw the cover I was completely in love. But reading the book brought even more pleasure than I imagined!

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The Heiress of Winterwood

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd

I immediately fell in love with characters Amelia and Graham. They're strong characters with flaws--which they must overcome. A good plot and good writing.
A very nice debut novel!

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Cry of Freedom Series

Cry of Freedom Series

If you like to read about the American Civil War then you should read this fantastic series. Many great authors writing unique stories. Our own Carrie released the first wonderful story in this series Return to Shirley Plantation, Murray Pura was second with his story The Last Waltz, and Kathleen L. Maher's Bachelor Buttons was third.
More stories will follow - all worth the read!


All stories are on sale for only $0.99 through June 1st, so grab your copy today!

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The Well

The Well by Stephanie Landsem

I enjoyed this book immensely! The writing is excellent, the plot well done, and the author has such a lovely voice!
And the characters...they're real, easy to love and to identify with.
From the first till the last page this book is a great delight to read!

This book will release on June 4 and is available for pre-order.

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The Reluctant Earl

The Reluctant Earl by CJ Chase

A story with all the ingredients to make it a delicious read; history, suspense, romance, and a believable storyline.

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Majestic and Wild

And last but not least I'd like to recommend Majestic and Wild by Murray Pura. Even if you're not going on an adventurous vacation this summer, you can go on a wonderful adventure in this devotional! The author will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the great outdoors of Canada and share some of his exciting adventures with you. His storytelling will draw you in and keep you glued to the pages. I'm sure you can't stop reading after only one story!