The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

This is a very interesting book from a different angle than most.  I like this biblical fiction story because it puts you into the mindset of those who crucified Jesus. When you read the Bible, it's hard to look at the people in the stories and say, "How can they not believe." However, this book sheds light on the life of the Gentiles and the Jews. It reminds the readers about what they have been taught and what their picture of the Messiah would be.

Nissa is a Jewish woman that strongly believes that God has abandoned her, after a rough life.  She has the responsibility of taking care of her brother Cedron, who is blind. She has to rely on others to help provide their needs.  But then Cedron is healed.  Thinking life would suddenly be a lot better, it gets worse.

It was fascinating to read about how the people were so divided against each other.  One group wasn't Roman enough, another Jewish enough, etc.  Then to see how Jesus brought those sides together only with the reason that they hated Him.

Knowing how the story ends, I was prepared to be sad.  The crucifixion of Jesus is never and should never be an easy thing to read.  I found this to be such a good book to read right before the start of Lent. 

This is the second book in the Living Water series.

__________________

I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Well by Stephanie Landsem

I like the cover of this book.  I think it fits perfectly with the story itself and the darker colors seem to  fit the emotions of the woman at the well.  It's in humble colors that are not very bright and the woman is not in clear focus.

The woman at the well is a fascinating story in Scripture and I liked how well this book depicted that scene.  I had forgotten how often the children are held responsible for the sin of the parents, whether they were guilty of the sin or not.  For some reason I remembered it in the Old Testament, but forgot of that in the New.  Seeing Nava stoned and not forgiven by those who should have been the first to forgive was sad.  It always makes me mad when I read of those who were "religious and followed laws" instead of Christ and His teachings.  Then I remind myself that I have the whole Scripture and they didn't, so who knows what I would have thought had I been there.

I wanted to reach through the pages of the book to help Mara.  It was hard to watch her struggles, knowing that someone should help her!  I was glad when she found Jesus because then I knew she'd have all she ever wanted and/or needed.  

Stephanie Landsem turned this beautiful story into a journey where the readers get to imagine what the woman at the well was feeling and perhaps some of her thoughts/feelings/struggles.  She takes you through the scriptures and writes a book based on a true biblical account.  It was fun to think about a woman that I so often read about and never stop to think about or ponder on.  Her life dramatically changed when she met Jesus and how fun it was to think about that transformation and excitement!

_________

I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.