Synopses & Reviews
In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.
Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.
Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.
Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love.
When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?
Review
“It's a rare story that you can't put down. Even rarer is a story that compels you to set it aside, reflect, and pray before you can go any further. Stephanie Landsem takes a tale you think you know and leaves you breathless with unexpected discoveries. I found myself stunned by The Well and humbled and inspired by the faith journey of her characters. This is a masterpiece.”
Review
“Stephanie Landsem breaks into historical biblical fiction with an intriguing and compelling story. The Well is sure to win the hearts of readers, and Landsem is a welcomed new voice to the publishing world.”
Review
“In The Well Stephanie has written a biblical novel that tells about a little known woman's encounter with Jesus that will resonate with readers. I felt I was right there, struggling with Mara, aching with her in all her agonies and cheering for her to struggle through them. Stephanie Landsem is a writer to watch.”
Review
"...an interesting and imaginative work; highly recommended."
Review
"Mara is an unforgettable character, and the writing is sharp. Landsem’s fresh interpretation of the familiar biblical story of Jesus and the woman at the well will be well received by fans of T. Davis Bunn. An excellent first outing by a promising writer."
Review
“WOW! LOVE IT!!! I started reading on my way home from a conference and was so engrossed in the book I almost missed the flight! The Thief stole my heart and lifted my spirit. Masterfully told, this story of a Roman centurion and a Jewish girl explores familiar New Testament passages but plumbs new spiritual depths. A powerful message of faith and hope intersecting at the foot of the cross.”
Review
“A compelling story and vivid characters immediately come off the page and into your heart as Stephanie Landsem brings ancient Jerusalem to life in her enthralling second novel, The Thief. As you run through the streets with the little thief, Mouse, or dip in the Pool of Siloam with the secretive Nissa, a masterful tale full of adventure, heartbreak, and hope unfolds. A must-read for anyone who loves a good book they simply can’t put down.”
Review
“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.”
Review
"Powerful and moving, Landsem grabs hold of the soul and never lets go. As compelling a portrait of mercy as I have ever read. Don't miss this one!"
Review
"Nissa's tough demeanor as a cover for her fear and Longinus' desire for a life of peace in his mother's homeland of Gaul are achingly believable. Both characters are truly lost souls brought together by Jesus' act of mercy. Their discovery, through Him, that mercy is the true power that leads to peace is a reassurance Christian readers can appreciate."
Review
“Stephanie Landsem delivers a fascinating perspective on Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Gripping yet tender, The Tomb weaves these Bethany siblings into the lives of supporting Gospel characters, beckoning readers to that poignant moment when the Son of God wept. Satisfying. Inspiring. Beautiful.”
Review
“The Tomb by author Stephanie Landsem brings the story of Martha, the over-anxious sister of Mary and Lazarus, into a dramatic and unexpected light. Often when we read the biblical story, we don't stop to think about who these people were, what they thought, how they lived, especially when we are unfamiliar with the culture of the day. The Tomb gives us a rich glimpse into that culture and into the lives of these characters, their hopes, their joys, their fears. You will never see Martha quite the same way again. An intriguing, fascinating read.”
Review
“Stephanie Landsem has a gift for telling stories of eternal significance through the eyes of ordinary people. Powerful and tender, The Tomb carries us from the shadow of the valley of death to the glory of the resurrection, while keeping the hopes and dreams of its characters relevant to today's readers.”
Review
“Once I picked up The Tomb I couldn’t put it down. Landsem’s novel about Martha is not only a riveting page-turner; it’s a profound and uplifting story about people transformed by faith.”
Review
“In Stephanie Landsem’s latest novel, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are real enough to invite you into their Bethany home, sit you before the fire, and fill your belly with barley stew and warm bread. The Tomb is an enthralling tale, impeccably researched, full of delightful characters. As women, we have always been told to emulate Mary, the sister who chose to worship at Jesus’ feet. But Landsem’s Martha has much to teach us, about love, loyalty, honor, faith—and the true measure of a family.”
Review
"A vivid retelling of a Bible story we've all heard but perhaps never completely understood in all its facets until now. With a main character human enough for us all to identify with, The Tomb is a poignant tale of secrets too long guarded, the tenacity of love, and the freeing power of grace."
Review
“Once again, Stephanie Landsem weaves a masterful tale of danger, intrigue, and love as she draws from the familiar story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother, Lazarus. Landsem pulls the reader into unexpected corners of history as this humble family does their best to figure out who Jesus really is and what his radical message means for them. She pulls from scripture and traditions passed down through the centuries to explore the human experience behind these beloved characters, breathing new life into the story in clever and surprising ways.”
Review
“Landsem creates a beautiful tapestry of familiar New Testament stories, woven together with fresh insight into what it looked like to walk alongside Jesus, encountering both the mundane and the mysterious in the man who brought the kingdom even to small villages.”
Review
“Triumphant! Landsem’s words resound with hope and healing, with freedom from the chains which bind us all.”
About the Author
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she 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.