Bio: 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.
Welcome back, Stephanie. Why do you write the kind of books you
do?
I never planned
to write Biblical fiction, but one day I was listening to the story of the
Samaritan woman at the well, and I just knew I had to tell her story. Since
then, I’ve discovered that I love delving into ancient history and imagining
what it was like to live in the time of Jesus.
Besides when you came to know the Lord,
what is the happiest day in your life?
I guess it would
be a tie between the birthdays of my four kids. I didn’t know until my oldest
was born how much I would love being a mom.
How has being published changed your
life?
I had to learn
how to juggle! I have so much more going on now, in addition to my vocation as
a wife and mother.
What are you reading right now?
I’m reading a
book called Consider the Birds, it’s
a lovely, prayerful discussion on the birds of Biblical times.
What is your current work in progress?
The Tomb, the third book in The Living Water
Series. It is a surprising story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
What would be your dream vacation?
A trip to the Holy Land with my husband and children.
How do you choose your settings for each
book?
In Biblical
fiction, I choose the characters, and the characters dictate the settings: Samaria , Jerusalem , and Bethany .
If you could spend an evening with one
person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
My dad. I live
in the Midwest and my parents are on the west
coast, so I don’t see them much. My dad is very quiet and I’d love to just have
an evening with just him, to hear his stories of growing up and his thoughts on
everything from politics to his grandchildren.
What are your hobbies, besides writing
and reading?
I love to cook,
especially in the summer when there is lots of fresh produce and berries
available. With four teenagers, I have plenty of people willing to eat!
Time management.
I have a set schedule that I try to stick to. Writing in the morning, with no
distractions, then marketing and social media in the afternoon and sometimes in
the evening, as well.
What advice would you give to a beginning
author?
Don’t despair!
Write, and don’t worry if what you write looks terrible. Sleep on it and go
back the next day. It almost always looks better than you first thought.
Tell us about the featured book.
Nissa is a
Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Abandoned by the God
she once loved, her only recourse is to depend upon Mouse, the best thief in
Jerusalem, to keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and the landlord
satisfied.
Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to escape the accursed Judean province. Accepting a wager that will get him away from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the thieves harassing the marketplace.
When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom from her life of lies. But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune, and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.
Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another false promise. How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles, when he cannot even save himself?
Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to escape the accursed Judean province. Accepting a wager that will get him away from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the thieves harassing the marketplace.
When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom from her life of lies. But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune, and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.
Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another false promise. How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles, when he cannot even save himself?
Please give us the first page of the
book.
Mouse darted
through the crowded streets of Jerusalem .
His name suited him. Small and drab, he fled from one street corner to the next
as though stalked by an unseen predator. Dirt and ash streaked his face, and
the tatter of wool covering his head was no less filthy. Both his worn tunic
and the cloak over it looked like they had been made for a man twice his size.
Not a head
turned as he zigzagged around caravans, street vendors, and plodding donkeys.
He was invisible—poor, dirty, worthless. Just another half-grown boy in the
lower city whose parents couldn’t afford to feed him. If a Greek trader or a
Jewish woman noticed him at all, that’s what they’d see—just what Mouse wanted them
to see.
Mouse skirted
the hippodrome, built by Herod the Great to show off his fastest horses, and
moved like a trickle of water past slaves carting oil jars and women haggling
over the price of grain. He didn’t stop to admire the trinkets laid out under
bright awnings. He couldn’t be late.
There had been
no food in his house for days, and the rent was due. Another week and the
landlord would throw them into the street.
Thou shalt not
steal, the commandment said.
A familiar voice
whispered in his mind, dark and compelling. You don’t have a choice.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is: www.StephanieLandsem.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/stephlandsem
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/slandsem/Don't miss Stephanie Landsem's outstanding sophomore effort, The Thief.
Best-selling author Tosca Lee had this to say of the book: 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.
Stephanie is hosting a Kindle Fire HDX and book giveaway at her website. CLICK THE BUTTON to find out more and enter to win.
Find out what readers are saying HERE. (Click the REVIEWS bar.)
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Thief - Christianbook.com
The Thief: A Novel (The Living Water Series) - Amazon
The Thief: A Novel (The Living Water Series) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
I have heard great things about THE THIEF and would love to win a copy of this book! Thank you for sharing Stephanie's interview and the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeleteBritney Adams, TX
Lena, thank you for a gret interview and the giveaway of The Thief. This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
I just read the Thief and it was amazing! Some scenes gave me the shivers!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book. I always love reading Biblical fiction.
ReplyDeleteJ.C. -Indiana-
Thank you Lena, for having me on your blog and for sharing The Thief with your readers!
ReplyDeleteTHE THIEF is already on my radar. It does sound amazing.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I would love to win a copy. I have heard really great things. I love the concept behind The Thief.
ReplyDeleteLitany from Orangeburg,sc
businesschef08@gmail.com
The Thief Looks like a great read. I have not read any of Stephanie's books but I like the way she has written her stories to recapture Biblical personalities in a different way.
ReplyDeleteThank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Ohio
I love Biblical fiction. This book sounds different than any other that I have read. The more I hear about this book the more I want to read it.
ReplyDeleteJan Hall TX
Looks Awesome!!!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me!
Blanch, N.C.
We have been to the Holy Land twice and it is lifechanging! It is surreal to look at roads, buildings and ruins and realize Jesus walked those roads. Hard to absorb. would love to win and read your book. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Giveaway!!!
Sydney Harries, GA
I'd love to win!
ReplyDeleteCourtney C. from AR
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway for the book, "The Thief" by Stephanie Landsem.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the interview.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida