A wonderful, Biblical era piece of fiction! I love Tessa Afshar's stories and found this one to be a wonderful blend of history and fiction. I highly recommend picking this one up!

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar is a Biblical fiction novel set in first century Corinth when Paul was first preaching the gospel there.

When Ariadne discovers that her father is a notorious thief, hunted by the authorities, she is desperate enough to keep him safe that she would join him in his thievery. But when a new Jewish Rabbi comes to town, they both begin to wonder if they can begin a new way of life.

I loved Thief of Corinth! It was so interesting! It is the story of how a young woman becomes a thief — from her talent of climbing trees to training for the new women’s division of the olympics. The characters had depth, and the story was memorable and integrated with cultural details.

I appreciated how the characters met Paul and became believers, although I think the quote of Paul’s letter at the end was used a bit out of context. As a recent Bible college graduate, I know that there is a lot more depth that could have been pulled from the Bible about the church in Corinth, and I wish the author would have used that a little more. But it’s still a great story and does include some detail.

I really enjoyed Thief of Corinth and hope you will too!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All options are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.

What took me so long to read the works of this authoress? Tessa Afshar is a breath of a fresh wind in the realm of historical Christian fiction! Her heroine Ariadne has a very believable spunk and zest for life - and the reasons to be the way she is! The world of first-century Corinthis believably built, the history is well- researched - and it is a great fun!!! Also, the storytelling is beautiful. A bit Oriental in its colourfulness, which only adds to the beauty of a historical background. The understanding of the human psyche is deep and gentle, the authoress obviously understands a human heart's moves. I also like that she does not shy from the harsher realities of life!

On the flip side, the side characters might be developed better. There is a great story behind the tomboy Ariadne, but the same can not be told for the others. But luckily, the cheek-in-tongue humour and the great adventures of the thief of Corinth bring catchiness, readability and lightness into this story.

From now, Ms Afshar has gained a new reader. Voices like hers are much needed in the Christian fiction! We need to offer the world the quality, the humour and the reason to love. Ms Afshar can do that well with her gift of storytelling.

Also - Theo, fingers crossed for your next adventures!

I wish you could see my copy of this book and all the highlighted passages. Even though it took me a few chapters to become invested in the story, once there, I could not put it down. Ariadne's bravery and strength came from a long line of mistakes and hardship.
Tessa Afshar does a remarkable job of showing God's love throughout the novel. Ariadne had no true reason to believe in an almighty God until Paul arrived in the story. I think that was my favorite part. Paul's pearls of wisdom and his kindness brought the story home.
"Truth can be a sharp sword. A bitter companion. With this truth, I would cut the cord that bound Jestus to me." - Ariadne.
Ariadne is a strong-headed woman who feels she must take on the world all by herself. She becomes a thief to save her father and endures an arduous journey to salvation. It's not everyday you are blessed with a Biblical Fiction with so much background and history.
I thought the first-person narration worked well here, as Ariadne remained the focus of the story and hearing directly from her thoughts brought relevance to the story. It was easy to become immersed in the time, even though the injustices were many.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

After escaping her mother and grandfather, Araidne returns to Corinth to live with her father only to discover he is a thief. To keep him safe she decides to join him in stealing from the corrupted people of Corinth. Soon she meets Paul, a Jewish Rabbi who, teaches her about a higher power than she’s ever known. Full of redemption, forgiveness, love, and God’s grace Thief Of Corinth will leave you speechless and wanting more.

I received an e-copy from netgalley for a review. All opinions are my own.

Ariadne flees Athens with her adopted brother, Theo, to Corinth after years of living with her controlling mother and grandfather. Ariadne is more at ease in Corinth, yet still feels out of place at home with her father, then she discovers the secret that drove a wedge of separation between her parents.

Ariadne is loyal to her father and brothers, but she struggles to fit in with the other young women of Corinth, instead distinguishing herself as an athlete, and educating the younger girls. She is stubborn and knows her mind, she carries the burden of her broken family, and is incredibly loyal to her family. I loved her friendship with Claudia the Younger, and her devotion to her father and brothers.

Ms. Afshar brings the First Century to life, showing the customs common in Corinth and Athens at that time and the contrast that it cast with Christianity. It's so easy to not think about how different life would have been back then and what it might have been like culturally and the preconceptions they carried due to their background and worldview, Ms Afshar realistically brings that world to life so that we can understand today what they were up against.

Ms. Afshar brings the characters to life so realistically, with little details and subtle body language that gives them complexity and depth. Theo was one of my favorites, deeply bonded with Ariadne as a child, he becomes a man with a complex unknown history, beating the odds of the situation of his birth. I was thrilled to find out that the next book is his story!

Overall, a masterful tale set against First Century Corinth before Paul's visits, showing how Christ changes everything. Ariadne struggles with her burden of guilt and worthiness, along with her family's financial woes and brokenness. Ariadne is a strong heroine, stubborn, courageous, vulnerable, I connected with her instantly. The story was riveting and eye-opening, it helped me understand just a little of what First Century Corinth might have been like, I didn't want to put the book down. Filled with friendship, family, danger, drama, adventure, thrilling acts, faith, romance, and more, it is an utterly enjoyable read. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is my first book by Tessa Afshar and I loved the story! Adventures, romance, suspenseful and faith-filled. Redemption for most of the characters and one that even seeks redemption at the end of life.
I loved the history that was throughout the story and the descriptions of the huge old houses in the ancient city of Corinth. I could just picture them standing by the big columns, the breezeways and the high windows they would climb in. I wanted to hold my breath several times as the adventures were described because it was so real. I just fell in love with the main characters and couldn’t wait for the next big thing to happen. And...there were plenty of things that happened. Oh! And there was also some surprises that I didn’t figure out.
If you love a wonderful book full of intrigue this book is for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.

Ok, confession time. I tend to obtain and then horde Christian books for Advent and Lent. I DO try to always have one religious book on my currently reading list, but they tend to get lost amongst all of the secular books. I love Lent and Advent, because it forces me to focus on Christian books.

However, that means that I end up with literally BOXES and lots of eBooks of Christian books, just languishing, waiting for the "proper time", to be read. This author has been on my radar for a while, I even met her one year at BEA, the first one when they attempted to squish BEA with BookCoon. She's a lovely lady, very smart and I was excited to read her work. Which just sat, and waited, aaaaand waited, for me to get around to it.

Well, I am happy to say, that day has finally come!

And then I picked up the book, started reading, got curious and read spoiler reviews about it and realized that the bulk of it was truly spoiled for me, so I jumped to the end and read that and really enjoyed it.

I'm not a linear reader and I don't have to read the entire book to enjoy it. So while the beginning didn't grab me, the writing style and the bringing back to life, if only for a moment, the ancient cities of Corinth and Athens, did grab me. The note from the author regarding her research was really interesting and it is clear that she doesn't just make things up when it comes to historical facts, which I appreciate. The world she is writing is REAL and she takes you there.

In case you are wondering, which I was, since this isn't the first book published, if they need to be read in any specific order and while there seems to be a series that she has out, this is not a part of that, so it can be read as a stand-alone.

I would recommend this book if you are looking for a well written and researched Christian historical fiction. 4 solid stars.

TRGGER WARNING: there is a scene that happens immediately after a violent rape, a character is the product of a rape, a suicide due to the rape happens off-page and since this takes place about 2,000 years ago, there are slaves who are treated in varying ways by their "owners".

My thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar was a wondrous work of historical fiction based on the historical time frame of when the Apostle Paul walked the earth. I relished the point of view of seeing the interactions Paul had with the characters in this book. The author builds the characters for the first half of the book and then Paul enters the scene. It’s quite the painting of the defiled lifestyle of the Greek people that Paul was sent to share the gospel with. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, but also I wish there had been more mention of Paul and his engaging Scripture like she did with the love chapter. ABSOLUTELY the BEST part of the book for me. I look forward to reading another book by this author in the future.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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How can you enjoy and get annoyed at a book, both at the same time? I don’t know, but that happens every now and again. Thief of Corinth was a good read, for a variety of reasons. One of the best was that it’s a Biblical historical fiction—arguably my most favorite genre ever—and as such I got a whole new view on a Biblical time period I haven’t read much about. Some of the history that was woven in was fascinating, too.

I enjoyed reading about Ariadne. Her struggles with wanting to be obedient and yet still do things that she felt called to were fun to watch. She didn’t always make the right decisions, but seeing how she worked with what she had was good.

The main thing I struggled with was that in some ways, the way the characters acted felt very 21st century. The kind of things you’d expect to read in a contemporary novel. (I do want to note here that this is a pet peeve of mine…so it likely wouldn’t be a problem for you if you enjoy contemporary romance!) That isn’t bad, necessarily, and I know Corinth was similar to our modern world in some ways, at least as far as sin is concerned. But I also feel sure that since the Apostle Paul was present in different places throughout the book, he would have addressed different things in person that were happening in the story. Yet…he didn’t. Yes, one could argue that since he mentioned things in his letter to the Corinthians, he wouldn’t have said anything about it before…but I would tend to believe what he said there was more in general to the church, and he would have spoken directly into people’s lives if he had the chance.

Okay, I’ll step off my soap box. Overall, I did enjoy the story. I feel like I really know something about ancient Corinth now, and Ariadne was a character I connected with very easily.

I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

An unforgettable love story, a brilliantly fresh heroine of agency and athleticism (I know! I know! athleticism from a female in Biblical fiction... could life be better) and impeccable research find perennial favourite Afshar at the top of her game.

The pitch perfect research and heart for the worlds she captures so brilliantly--with their counterbalance of historical verisimilitude and spiritual resonance is heightened here by Afshar's clear enjoyment.

There is a zest of personality that livens her natural talent and I was spellbound. One of the most unique offerings in the genre I have ever read.

When families are shattered, pulled apart by the force of bitterness, by anger, by disappointment, something dark slithers into the hearts of all who survive that division. Each one of us carries the wounds of divorce. The only healing comes from the balm of love. Underserving love. Sacrificial love. A love crucified.


The gospel is best displayed in our families but it is also the most difficult. Taken from historical 1st century Corinth, the gospel was growing at a tremendous rate. The story of Ariadne's family is moving and one that is easily connected to. Ariadne is a complex character with passion and pain. The pain of her parents divorce and consequences of divorce.

The plot is relationship driven which helps connect the reader to the gospel in a big way. Ariadne's relationship with her mother is hurtful and painful. The opposite with her father. There is a correlation between these relationships of grace and law that breaks down barriers that brings freedom to see the gospel. Another relationship is the one with her brothers. A natural born brother and a adopted brother. This too is another correlation with the gospel. The relationships also have twist, that brings tension and redemption. Just like the gospel.

Ashfar has taken Ariadne's natural brother Dionysius and has based his character on Acts 17. This connects the scripture to the plot and to the gospel. I highly recommend.

A Special Thank You to Tyndale Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This book took me a while to get into because the first few chapters were out of order chronologically – the first chapter was in the past from the prologue, and the second chapter was in the past from the first chapter. The book got better the further I got in but it took me a long time before I started feeling like I enjoyed it. It also takes me longer to get into books that are first person as this one was because you only get one person’s view and what they see.

Thief of Corinth is a fascinating look at Bible Times by one of my favorite authors, Tessa Afshar. She describes the scenes and the culture drawing you in with her characters--Ariadne and her brothers, Dionysius and Theo, her neighbor and friend Justus, whom she meets when she leaves Athens for Corinth.

Ariadne becomes estranged from her mother and finds her father is not who she supposed him to be; but she decides to follow in his footsteps which though others think is honorable is not honorable at all. The consequences of her choices lead to much heartbreak but the twists and turns of the story keep you wanting her to see the error of her ways.

The most interesting part is how the Apostle Paul becomes a friend of the family and this is the gift that Ms. Afshar has to make the Bible come to life in her stories whether you read the Bible or not.

Ariadne has been blessed with the gifts of agility and flexibility. She uses these to her advantage but not always for the best reasons or motives. When she changes her perspective because she changes her beliefs, she finds that she can use them for better goals.

There are some surprise revelations at the end so this is one book you might want to pick up for your reading enjoyment.

Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for allowing me to read this book through Netgalley.

This story really entertained me! You could almost feel yourself walking the ancient streets of Greece. The characters were rich and believable and some were very likable. It was interesting how she got into the situation she was in and how God used her talents and her shortcomings. I recommend this book!

Received this book from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

Thief of Corinth details the life of Ariadne, how she tried to help her family, and eventually how she meets Paul the Apostle. I really enjoyed this book. I want to read more by this author. It seemed very sweet. I liked that this version of Paul makes him sound more like a real person and less like the KJV Bible.

The latest novel by Tessa Afshar was very enjoyable, and I think she fulfilled her reader's request for a book that would appeal to non-Christians very well. Its really not preachy or over the top, in fact Christianity does not even come into the story until more than halfway through.

Mostly its about the young Ariadne, a young Greek woman and her family, her beloved father and two brothers: one biological and one adopted. Its about her relationships with her friends and neighbors and her struggle to find belonging and acceptance after living for years with a mother who basically did not want her.

All the religious content is based on the Apostle Paul's recorded trips to the city of Corinth, and I liked some of the social details woven into the story. Like how in spite if the city's notoriety, most brothers and fathers probably protected the virtue of their daughters and sisters ardently, and most women were subject to the same moral codes as other Roman women.

Overall, I really liked this story, it was light but with some very meaningful messages. Ariadne was written as intelligent but loving and compassionate, her brother Theo is just lovely.

However, I had a few complaints. The modern Americanisms in the story got my back up. I appreciate that authors have to make their stories understandable for readers- and readers for inspirational fiction are principally American, but first century Greeks saying 'sidewalk', 'dessert' and 'write him' just grates on me.

Oh, and just in reference to the author's note at the back: I don't know if first century Britons thought butterfly bushes were weeds either. In fact, I'm not sure we even had them in first century Britain.
The references I have seen say they were introduced in the 18th century, and Britain did not even become part of the Roman Empire until couple of decades after this novel is set.

This book. My heart. It might just be part of my new 'everything is emotional' way of life (honestly, I cry over the smallest thing) but this book touched my heart and made me cry more than once. It's a beautiful, beautiful story of redemption and just YES. I've read two other books by Tessa Afshar (Harvest of Rubies and Harvest of Gold) and she's definitely one of my favorite Christian authors. The characters are amazing and I loved pretty much all of them (except the villains). Fans of Christian fiction set during the first century will not be disappointed.

This book was by far Tessa's best. She writes this one with her whole heart and I can actually imagine myself being in the story along with the characters.
The author shows us that the characters of the Bible lived pretty much as we do today. ( Only they had it much harder than we do today).
My thoughts run along the lines like this: What would they think about today's technology? Would they be like us and not have time for God?
I think I enjoyed the father of the story the most!! Even though I don't condone what he did I understand he did it for his family.
In a way, the mother wasn't much better. It's wrong to split family.
I felt sorry for the daughter and the adopted son who were caught in the middle. I thought it terrible that the boy had to prove himself through the games.
The underhandedness of the Romans were something else. I didn't like that at all.
I recommend this book.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own. No compensations were recieved

The premise of this book beckoned me to read it. I'm accustomed to reading Afshar's Biblical fiction. I'm hesitant to label this book in that genre. It is more historical Christian fiction set during Biblical times. Set in the backdrop of Greece and Corinth during the time of Paul, we meet Ariadne as she is on the cusp of adulthood. Running from a marriage that sets her teeth on edge and a domineering grandfather, who arranged the match, and a mother who can't see past her own father's wishes for the family. From a broken home, Ariadne does the only thing she can think to do. . .runs how to Corinth and the father she loves and hasn't seen since she was a child. I have to admit I was surprised to find a divorced family in this book and how simple it seemed, somehow I thought that divorce was much more rare, and typically much more involved, during these times. We meet with Paul again and even get mention of Lydia and even Aquila and Priscilla are referenced. Again though, not Biblical fiction.

Outside of the fact that Biblical characters are mentioned and Biblical places are referenced there are reasons that I can't classify this book as Biblical fiction. First, there isn't a 'thief of Corinth' in the Bible. Corinth was a rough place situated as it was on the isthmus between two vital bodies of water as well as the pagan temples there. Commonsense would surmise that this would be haven for crime as well as a rough place to live. We know that Paul traveled there and I'm fairly certain he met a variety of people but somehow I don't see a Ariadne in his life. I can't really say why without spoilering things, just trust me. The other thing that pulls me back from Biblical fiction, but also as historical fiction, is how modern everyone's speech and mannerisms are. At times it was easy to forget that I was reading a book set in ancient times, everyone came across as that modern! Which for me is a detraction from the genre of book I was reading. It was good but it was detracting.

While there were detractions there was still a great story of finding love, faith, and redemption. In the years following Christ's death and resurrection Christianity was a word of mouth revolution. In Greece and Rome these converts were few and far between. When Ariadne ran from her Grandfather and Mother in Greece to find her father in Corinth she took only her adoptive brother with her. And a memory of a shrine she had seen that had left an impression on her. 'My favorite shrine had been made of plain white marble with a simple inscription in Greek: 'To an Unknown God'. She had already encountered God without realization. Yes, this book is about her and her family finding God through Paul. But it's also about a young girl finding her place in the world, her community and society. It's about a young woman finding her future, and love. It's about a family finding wholeness in their brokenness and healing in their hurts. It's engaging and embracing and a historical coming of age story. There's so much to embrace in this book in it's modernness. And so much to learn from this book in it's history. But it's not Biblical fiction.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.