Tessa Afshar has written several Christian historical novels and I think I've read every one. Often, she tells a story that isn't necessarily in the Bible, but it sheds light on an obscure Bible character or a biblical city. Here, she tells about a family who has been torn apart by divorce and deception, and how meeting a traveling preacher named Paul changes everything for them. If you like this genre, I'd highly recommend this book, and any by Tessa Afshar.

Tessa Afshar wrote the Thief of Corinth for sharing with un-saved friends. Themes of love and sacrifice, injustice and blackmail, independence and being trapped are handled very well. The Good News is shared and several are saved, but it’s definitely not preachy.


I could not put the Kindle down after I started reading it. Empathizing with Ariadne, I might have made most of the same decisions she did. Fortunately for me I have not been in her shoes!


Many of her decisions “seemed” justified. They were reasonable. But then, about halfway through the story, Paul showed up in Corinth. 📖
Then the ‘reasonable’ became a little less reasonable. And Ariadne fights it. She is stubborn and strong, with enough sensitivity to make the story believable.


Theo, Ariadne’s birthday twin founding, is one of the highlights of the story. His loyalty is stronger than most. The development of his character, well, let’s just say that it’s turbulent, understandable and tugs at your heart!


📌 I received a copy of Thief of Corinth for free through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own, I was not required to give a positive review.

Tessa Afshar has truly written as a masterpiece! In "Thief of Corinth" we experience a journey not only read through one. I wish I could share all my highlights, insights and moments of tears and laughter. For with a spunky heroine, there is a promise for this and much more. I'm impressed by this authors research and writing! I felt the scent of every herb and perfume, the taste of the food, and saw in my mind the majestic villages. It was hard to put this one down! And the heart!! The heart of this book was the most powerful part of all! Truly a story and an author to keep an eye out! So glad this might not be the last one considering her notes on Theo at the end... maybe Claudia too? *hint hint*

I'll admit that I couldn't get into this book when I first started reading it. Then I picked it up again a month later and couldn't put it down! I guess the first time just wasn't the "right" time.
I love how Tessa gave us such a clear picture of ancient Corinth, life in the city, and a glimpse at the early church (anyone else get SUPER excited when Paul showed up?).
I loved getting to know Ariadne throughout her journey. She's FAR from perfect, but it was a pleasure to watch her grow as a person, and to watch her relationships grow as a result.

This is a beautiful read that I highly recommend!

Thief of Corinth is written from Ariadne's perspective, making the story more personal and the reader more committed to the storyline. Ariadne's snarky comments like "Father made the introductions, calling Aniketos' wife a vision of beauty. She was a vision of something." will have readers giggling throughout the book. Though Ariadne's story is highly fictionalised, it brings to life Acts 17 and the events of the early church, particularly among the non-Jews. Thief of Corinth reminds me why I love historical fiction.  Afshar does a wonderful job of explaining Ancient Roman and Greek cultural contexts without bogging down the reader with facts and figures.

Personally, I enjoyed the book because it is based on one of my favourite passages in the New Testament, Acts 17. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure and definitely unputdownable. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure and definitely unputdownable. This is my first book by Tessa Afshar, so I definitely looking forward to reading more from her.

"For you are a slave to whatever controls you." (2 Peter 2:19 NLT)


I’ve read several of Tessa Afshar’s books and enjoyed them all. Thief of Corinth is a bit different because it includes Bible characters but isn’t based on actual Biblical events.

Ariadne is an interesting character, though I had a little more difficulty relating to her than to some of Ms. Afshar’s other heroines. I sympathized with her, but feel I would’ve made different choices than she did.

I’ve always enjoyed the author’s writing style. She moves a story forward with purpose and elegance, and shares many spiritual messages without being tedious. Some of her word choices and phrases make me pause and read again in admiration.

This novel is a coming-of-age story. The journey to spiritual maturity was my favorite part. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, and although it never became a fast-paced page-turner (for me) it flowed steadily and produced a satisfying ending.

Note: The audio narration is wonderfully engaging and makes the story come alive.

4 Stars

Cover: Like
Title: Like
Publisher: Tyndale
Pages: 400
Pace: Steady
First Lines (prologue): You asked me once how a woman like me could become a thief. How could I, having everything—a father’s love, a lavish home, an athlete’s accolades—turn to lawlessness and crime?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from TyndaleBlogNetwork and NetGalley.

Yet another outstanding historical fiction by one of the most talented and detailed Christian authors out there. I love the depth she gives to her characters and how realistic and vivid her writing is. At times it is hard to read how horrible some cultures were as she doesn't sugar coat it but she does it all with a deft and masterful hand.

I have heard many rave reviews for this book, so I'm glad I was finally able to get my hands on a copy myself. I absolutely loved this story. While Ariadne herself is a fictional character, her story is heartfelt and a vision of what happens when people are introduced to Christ.
What I found highly interesting in this story, is that Ariadne is not introduced to Christ himself in the flesh, but Paul the Apostle. Understandably, Biblical fiction tends to have Jesus himself come in and do the healing and heart-changing. I believe that's rooted mainly in the fact that many of wonder what it would be like to encounter Jesus face-to-face. We live in a day and age where even if people aren't believers, they've generally heard of God and Jesus. What's interesting is that in the beginning of this book, God is a mystery to Ariadne and those around her. He's mysterious, unknown instead of the creator of all things and Heavenly Father. God didn't change in the story, but Ariadne's understanding of who He was did. Paul came to share the message of Christ and was able to do so without Jesus standing next to him. Now, please don't misunderstand when I say it this way. Jesus was still present and still is deserving of the glory, but the verse "blessed is he who has not seen and yet believed" (John 20:29) comes to mind. It's a calling that we can still show Christ to others without them seeing his physical body. We ourselves can still experience Christ without seeing his physical body. It's a message that is as relevant today as it was for the characters in this story. We as Christians are to walk as Christ and reveal him to the nations. If we are in Christ, he will shine through us.
One other thing I found interesting in this book, is that it was about more than simply a thief in Corinth. Honestly, the thieving itself did not take up much space in the pages. Ariadne was very athletic, and took part in an old type of Olympics. She trained hard for it, and felt pride in her accomplishments. She had complex family issues that plagued her with guilt over her situation. She felt love and loss. She was developed as a human and not merely a thief as the title would label her. What's interesting in this, is that there's two ways of looking at it. From an outsider's perspective, do you ever hear of a single sin another has committed and from that point forward see them through the lens of that sin? Or looking inward, do you ever see that in yourself? Ariadne began to see herself as "a thief." She began to see her identity in her sin. Isn't it such a powerful message of the truth revealed in Christ that we are given a new identity and hope for a future we would not otherwise have? If this isn't a powerful example of redemption, I don't know what is!
I highly, highly recommend this book. It was a powerful, thought-provoking read and one that I'm sure will stick with me for a long time. Tessa Ashfar has done an amazing job of painting Christ's redemption in this story through the discipleship of those who knew and walked with Christ. This isn't one you will want to pass up!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Ariadne has been looking for love and acceptance her entire life. Never feeling she was good enough for either her mother or grandfather in Athens, she takes off on a dangerous journey to Corinth with only her best friend for company. Despite leaving her brother behind, she believes she has found what she’s looking for in her father’s house. She has friends, and athletic interests to keep her occupied. Consumed with adoration with a father who loves her, she overlooks his crimes and eventually joins him in his exploits. After all, he’s only stealing from those who don’t deserve the riches they’ve gained. That isn’t wrong, is it?

The Thief of Corinth is a departure from Tessa Afshar’s recent novels, in that she focuses on an imagined character not to be found in either the Bible or other annals of history. But Paul is not the only historical person to appear in the tale. Lydia, the seller of purple, is mentioned and Priscilla also makes an appearance. Afshar uses the events detailed in Acts and the Pauline letters to the Corinthians, and uses some of the names found in them such as Dionysius the Areopagite to cement the links between Ariadne and Paul. The fictional Paul also uses words from the 1St letter to the Corinthians in a powerful scene in chapter 21.

Sometimes, it takes a tragedy, or an almost one, for a person to hit rock bottom and rethink their live. This is where Paul’s message of God’s love comes in. Ariadne must decide how and where her future will develop. Paul’s message of love is almost too difficult to grasp, but it will change her life and her relationships. This is the message Afshar wishes to convey: indeed she has spoken of wanting Thief of Corinth to appeal to non-Christians. As a Christian, I can’t say whether or not she has succeeded, but I do know that I would recommend this novel to anyone open to reading fiction with a Christian message.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for my complimentary electronic Advance Reader Copy of The Thief of Corinth.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read—possibly my favourite of those I’ve read by Tessa Afshar so far, with just one small caveat that I’ll mention in a moment. As you would expect from this author, first century Corinth comes alive with authentic historical detail. In fact, the reader probably doesn’t realise just how much they’re being educated on ancient Corinthian culture, so seamlessly does the narrative weave historical nuggets and explanations into the story.

Ariadne is the kind of lively, energetic character you can’t help loving in spite of her flaws, and the first person narrative is bursting with personality. After a reflective prologue from a slightly older and wiser Ariadne, the reader meets her as a headstrong and defiant, but lonely sixteen-year-old, escaping from her grandfather’s home in Athens with her foster brother, Theo. What follows is an engaging coming-of-age story in both a physical and a spiritual sense. Ariadne pursues athletic prowess and popularity only to discover their hollowness. She navigates the tempestuous waters of family relationships and romantic love. And, of course, she becomes a thief.

This story departs a little from Tessa Afshar’s previous books in that the main character is fictional rather than an actual historical person; however, the apostle Paul plays a pivotal role in changing the course not just of Ariadne’s life, but of her father’s and brother’s lives as well. And it is at this point that I once again felt like shouting the power of fiction from the rooftops. Paul’s words about love, forgiveness, and about staying the course are brilliantly illuminated in their application to Ariadne’s life.

And yet it is here that I also offer my caveat. I don’t want to give too much of a spoiler, but I was a little bit surprised at the way Ariadne’s career as a thief resolved. I’m still processing all my thoughts on this point, and it would definitely make an interesting talking point for book clubs, but I’m not convinced Ariadne and her family were justified in taking the action they took. There is a lively debate going on in my head even as I write this!

That point aside, I’ll simply reiterate my opening remark: This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

It has been a while since I have had the pleasure of reading one of Tessa Afshar’s books, but I always enjoy them when I do! This book is a treat in every way! Great characters, a riveting storyline, plot twists aplenty, Leverage-worthy heists, flawless historicity, and deep yet subtle spirituality make this a book not to be missed! There was nothing I didn’t enjoy about it, and I absolutely cannot wait for her to continue this series!

What does it take to free a thief?

Thief of Corinth is a wonderfully engaging and swift-paced Christian historical fiction that drops you into its reality where you follow the scent of cloves, pine, sandlewood, and rosemary, feel the heat of summer baking the city, and follow the exploits of a young woman, Ariadne, as she finds truth and love amidst the backdrop of family and friendships, athletic competitions, and the visit of an apostle. Tessa Afshar’s novel opens with Ariadne accidentally sighting her father as he sneaks off during the night. Following him, she witnesses him breaking into a villa, then fleeing, chased by the owner’s guards. Even as Ariadne aids her father in a daring escape, she is drawn into his deception and finds she has a talent for theft and a desire for the feeling of control and freedom that it brings.

For Ariadne greatly desires the freedom her father offers. Her grandfather is forcing her into marriage with a brute, and her mother is cold, distant, and critical. Thief of Corinth is a map of one woman’s journey to ultimate freedom. When Ariadne escapes to her father’s home, letting someone else pay the price for her freedom, she finds herself shunned and belittled by the young women of her father’s social circle. But Ariadne doesn’t mope and whine about her fate, she embraces her life as a thief, making choices that could cost her and her father their freedom and their lives. And it may cost the love of a man she’s come to admire. Thieving is the life she has chosen, but it might not be a choice she can live with. It will take time and the help of friends, family, and those she thought were enemies, but Ariadne is going to discover what it takes to free a thief.

Ariadne’s gymnastic skills and fleetness of foot are just a few of the skills needed to inveigle her way into the homes of the high and rich members of society, seeking where their wealth is hidden so that she and her father can return in the cover of night to steal it away. But someone knows that her father is the Honorable Thief and blackmails them. How deep does the corruption go? Can she and her father escape the net of the blackmailer? Are friends closer than she thinks? Can she ever be truly free again?

Through it all, we know that Ariadne takes responsibility for what she’s done and the consequences, and I absolutely love that accountability. As Ariadne says, “Yet the final blame, as you and I know, dear Paul, rests with me. It was I who chose as I did. I could have taken the wounds of my early life and turned them to healing. Instead, they became my excuse to do as I wished.” And admitting responsibility is the start of an incredible journey.

I loved this book so much! Thief of Corinth is an indelibly rich and fulfilling story, the world-building is incredible, and I finished it just wanting to dive into the next book. This is the first book I’ve read by Tessa Afshar, but she’s now on my favorite authors list, and I’ll be reading more. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction, stories of redemption, Biblical stories, or tales of strong women coming into their own.

Trigger warning: There is a scene of the aftermath of violence against a woman and brief discussion of another instance. Both are brief, not overly graphic, and easily skimmed past; just putting that out there as a heads-up.

Afshar's careful attention to history, the Bible and details brings life to Corinth. Ariadne is living with her father who is in debt, the only way for him to get out of this debt is to "Robin Hood" his way out of it. Yet Galenos, is not as agile as he used to be, it is a good thing his daughter can be his stronger, life saving accomplice.
Ariadne's brother, Dionysus visits along with his friend, Paul of Tarsus. Paul preaches about love. Ariadne and Galenos now have a choice to make, do they follow Paul or continue to steal from people.

I love meeting people from the Bible. Afshar has a way of introducing you to Bible characters that stick in your mind. I always learn a lesson or two from her books. This book has a new way to look at 1 Corinthians 13, which I loved. Afshar's study of history, makes me feel like I have been transported back to Corinth. Afshar also weaves in Biblical truths in such a colorful way. When I read the Biblical text, my mind is overtaken with word pictures from this story. It opens up the Bible in a new and fresh way.

I look forward to reading more about these characters. I anticipate learning more about Ariadne's brother, Theo in a future book.

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the ebook to read in exchange for this review.



.

Tessa Afshar is one of the best writers of biblical fiction today. Her stories are well researched and well told. I love the characters she creates. Ariadne is a spirited young woman who tries to be true to herself in a time when women were property. She is a lively, athletic young woman who loves her family. At a crucial point, Ariadne and her family meet a man who shows them another way.

This is a fascinating story of love and redemption. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Afshar's books. So grab a mug of mint tea and settle in for a great read.



I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own

A beautiful, touching story with a setting in first century Corinth. The author's vivid descriptions makes the reader become a part of the story. Readers will be able to learn about the culture of the time through many situations. Ariadne, the young girl flees from Athens to return to her father's house in Corinth. Her parents are divorced and her mother had blackmailed her father to keep the children. This story has a lot of social and economic issues that readers can relate with today. Some of the characters in the story are people from the Bible which adds a lot. Highly recommended!

Title: Thief of Corinth

Author: Tessa Afshar

Chapters: 33

Pages: 400

Genre: Christian Fiction/ Biblical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Thief of Corinth is the newest book by Tessa Asfhar. The Second book set in Corinth with the missionary Paul as an important character though not the main character. This time the heroine is fictional rather than a Biblical person. This story features not one but two honorable thieves. It gives it a bit of a Robin Hood feel. Ariadne flees Athens, but she’s not running away in her mind she’s running home to Corinth and her father Galenos. Once back she discovers her father’s secret the secret that tore her and her brothers away from their father. He’s a thief but an honorable one. Ariadne is left with three choices turn her father in or join him, or lie to protect them both. When they both are almost at the end of their ropes they meet a man named Paul, who will introduce them to Someone far greater.

I have to say that Thief of Corinth is one of my favorite books by Tessa Asfhar. Her books just keep getting better and better. She is my go to author for Biblical fiction. Ariadne is my favorite heroine since Ariadne is truly fictional Tessa had more creative licenses with her story she didn’t have to stick with what was already written about her. To me Ariadne is the most relatable of Tessa’s heroines.

One of my favorite quotes from the book can form chapter 3, “In the shelter of my father’s love, tears came freely.” While this scene is dealing with an earthly father, it is a reminder that our Heavenly Father’s love allows us to express our tears and other emotions just as freely. Another favorite quote came from chapter 23 “That is what father’s do, Ariadne they see how far you have come and cheer you, so you will learn to go the rest of the way. Father’s lead you so far but then you have to learn to go the rest of the way on your own.

All I can say is that if you've read Tessa's previous novels you need to pick this one up. Or if you like Biblical fiction this one is a winning. Every time I read one of Tessa's books it like a part of the story is something that I am going through at that time and it encourages me in that season as well as reminding me to pick up my Bible more. I wasn’t a fan of Biblical fiction till I discovered Tessa’s first novel Pearl in the Sand and I was hooked Tessa’s writes Biblical fiction in a way that makes you want to pick up your Bible and dive into that as well.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Tessa Afshar has created another gripping story filled with mystery and charm. This story weaves vivid imaginary characters with Biblical people. The story has enough action and dramatic exploits to keep you reading way past bedtime. It is as if stepping back into time and finding a Robin Hood sort of character slipping thru the streets of Corinth. I enjoy the author’s talent for slipping snippets of life into the story that transport you to the time and place. The family is complicated, “there is a thin line between courage and stupidity, and I crossed it with a frequency that pointed to a lack of wit rather than a surfeit of bravery.”
A free copy was supplied by netgalley with no review required. It was my pleasure to add this book to those I give 5 stars. Excellent book.

This was a joy to read. I know quite a lot about 1st Century Roman culture and this is very authentic. No missteps, and what a joy, no modernisms. Yea!

Even though no modernisms, the dialogue and narrative are understandable, no Greek syntax. (Read an authentic translation of The Odyssey and you'll understand what I mean.)

Not only are the characters well developed, but they actually grow in maturity. That's very hard to do when writing. Most authors tend to develop characters with one voice and the character stays there. Here Tessa Afshar allows the first person voice to mature from teenage to full woman, to learn what is truly important in life. Also Justice (one of the MCs) has the maturity to hold back until the young girl matures. Great development plot point.

The plot is simple and complicated at the same time. There are numerous things going on, and quite a tangle that is unwoven in surprising ways. This is not a predictable romance. And the motives of the characters are as varied as the characters. Some surprising revelations happen.

I was enthralled.

No hash rehash of angst.
No character stepping out of character or being forced. Each flowed naturally on the page.
The pace is fairly fast, although there are some motives/actions of one or two characters that don't ring quite true, but I'll let you figure that out yourself.

Good reading. Wonderful faith truths woven through out. I recognized Dionysius the Aeropagite was a real person in 1st Century. I recognized the name, but Dionysius was a common name. Not until Ariadne found out her brother had been invited to become a Aeropagite did I know it was really him. Then I thought Justice might be the Christian Justice that helped Paul--not in this book though, although it still could be him.

[spoiler alert] I liked the way Paul healed the papa (forgotten his name). It was miraculous, but not walk on water miraculous. That fits so well into how some healings happened--Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus. No explanation, just a sentence in Ephesians.

Five of five stars. A worthy read

This review has been posted to my blog, to Goodreads, Tweeted, and Facebooked

This is a great historical! I really enjoyed it and loved the biblical influences. It was a really great read.

Tessa Afshar has a way of bringing Biblical history to life unlike anyone else and has done it again in this story set in first-century Corinth! Ariadne has mourned the day her parents divorced, when she was moved away to live with her mother and grandfather. Longing to return to Corinth, and back to the father she loves dearly, Ariadne daringly escapes and runs away, hoping her father will be waiting with open arms.

Galenos, Ariadne's father, is delighted that his daughter has returned. His home will once again be filled with love and purpose! However, Ariadne is unaware of the reasons that drove her mom away, and soon uncovers the truth - her father is the notorious thief who has been robbing corrupt, wealthy men in Corinth. To his surprise however, she does not walk out on him, but decides to become his apprentice in an effort to keep him safe. Because she has been blessed with incredible athletic ability she catches on very quickly. But how long can they live like this without getting caught? And who will be hurt in the process?

When Galenos and Ariadne are introduced to an apostle named Paul, who offers a different way of life and talks of a man named Jesus, they both realize their desperate need for a Savior. The tangled web they have created will not be an easy one to unravel. The journey the characters travel throughout the story is one you will not want to miss!

A final note on this book... Tessa Afshar reveals that she wrote this story largely due to having been asked countless times for a book readers could share with friends who are not practicing Christians. Us two chicks loved having this insight into the story and we think you will too!