title: Thief of Corinth
author:  Tessa Afshar 
description: <b>PW Starred review.</b> Afshar, Christy award-winner for her 2013 novel <i>Harvest of Gold</i>, once again brings historical detail to vibrant life, this time focusing on the city of Corinthcenter of first-century CE commerce and cultureand the family of fictional Galenos. Galenoss daughter, Ariadne, has lived with her oppressive mother and grandfather in a villa near Athens ever since her parents divorce as a child. Now 16, she flees to her fathers home in Corinth, where she quickly discovers the family secret: her father is the famous Honorable Thief, who robs only the richest and most unscrupulous citizens. Ariadne faces challenges in her new life, among them the displeasure of the citys women who think she is ridiculous when she enters a prestigious race at the Isthmian Games, as well as the contentious relationship with her foster brother, Theo. Despite this, she is bent on helping her father, even if it means becoming a thief herself. But then, abruptly, Galenos and Ariadnes lives are transformed when Ariadnes brother, Dionysus, arrives from Athens with his friend, Paul of Tarsus. Pauls teachings bring healing to the family, and particularly to Ariadne, who must face her selfishness and pride. Afshar again shows her amazing talent for packing action and intrigue into the biblical setting for modern readers. (Publishers Weekly)<br /><br />Fearless. Bold. A survivor. This is Ariadne. After escaping her mothers cruelty in Athens, Ariadne returns to the exciting but corrupt city of Corinth only to discover her estranged fathers dark secret: he is the Honorable Thief of Corinth. Hungry for revenge after years of abuse, Ariadne joins her fathers thieving after a catastrophe at sea leaves the family in financial ruin. When a missionary named Paul arrives, Ariadne resists his message of love and grace. But without the lessons of Pauls Unknown God, her lust for vengeance could cost Ariadne her innocence, her reputation, or even her life. Afshar brings to life the gripping tale of one womans struggle to choose between rebellion and love. This work of biblical fiction does not require biblical knowledge and offers superb momentum, exhilarating scenes, and moving themes of love and determination. Afshars lyrical approach to Ariadnes voice makes for a relatable protagonist wrestling with timeless questions of worth and belonging in this exquisitely realistic portrait of the early missionary Paul. (Booklist)<br /><br />Set in first-century Corinth, this latest novel from Christy Award winner Afshar (<i>Bread of Angels</i>) is another beautifully written tale based on the New Testament. Ariadne, tired of living in her mothers house after her parents divorce, flees to Corinth and her fathers home. When she finds out that he makes his living as a thief, she begs to help him recoup the ill-gotten gains of the wealthy and corrupt. But their lives are endangered when the wrong person discovers their secret. Through rabbi Paul, they learn of a God who heals and forgives. Receiving grace and mercy for their sins and forgiveness is something they never thought could happen. <b>VERDICT:</b> Afshars well-drawn characters and lushly detailed setting vividly bring to life the ancient world of the Bible. A solid choice for fans of Francine Rivers and Bodie and Brock Thoene. (Library Journal)
zlib_text: THIEF
  
  A L E X A  R I L E Y
   
  
  CONTENTS
  Thief
  Copyright
  Dedication
  Chapter 1
  Chapter 2
  Chapter 3
  Chapter 4
  Chapter 5
  Chapter 6
  Chapter 7
  Chapter 8
  Chapter 9
  Chapter 10
  Chapter 11
  Chapter 12
  Chapter 13
  Chapter 14
  Chapter 15
  Chapter 16
  Chapter 17
  Chapter 18
  Chapter 19
  Chapter 20
  Chapter 21
  Chapter 22
  Chapter 23
  Chapter 24
  Chapter 25
  Epilogue
  Epilogue
  Epilogue
  Epilogue
  Taking the Fall
  Chapter 1
  Letting Her Lead
  Chapter 1
  Also by Alexa Riley
  Stalk the Author
  
  The Breeding Series
  by
  Alexa Riley
  Sean Sparrow has one more job to pull: break into the bank, steal what he was hired to take, and get out. He plans everything
  to the very last detail, sure of success... until he sees Tessa.
  Tessa Martin lives a humdrum life. With a boring job and a crappy roommate, she's sure there must be more to life than
  this. She's not prepared for the muscle-bound bearded man who walks into her life, offering her everything she's ever wanted.
  When Sean breaks down all of Tessa's walls, she has no choice but to 