Contact: Barry Connolly, 203-748-1033

BETHEL, Conn., Feb. 18, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Looking for a good read for yourself or your Christian book group? Look no further than two compelling and critically acclaimed Biblical novels by Barry Connolly.

The author's debut novel, 'The Good Thief,' is set in the Holy Land during the final weeks of Jesus' ministry on earth. It is a dramatic account of the life of Dismas, the penitent thief crucified alongside Jesus and forgiven by Him on Good Friday. The story follows Dismas as he seeks to avenge the senseless death of his brother and sister at the hands of a cruel Roman tribune. Despite the pleas of Rebekah, the woman he loves, Dismas embarks on a perilous quest. His obsession takes him from the backstreets of Jerusalem and a thieves' lair in the wilderness to a fateful encounter with the man he has sworn to kill.

'A riveting read...very hard to put down.' -- Midwest Book Review

'Everything first-rate Biblical fiction should be.' -- Historical Novel Review

'On the Road to Damascus: The Story of Rebekah and Lucius,' follows many of the characters introduced in 'The Good Thief.' It takes place in the months immediately after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Fearing the growing influence of Christ's followers, the high priest of the Great Temple in Jerusalem mounts a campaign of terror led by a zealous young scholar, Saul of Tarsus. Caught in the midst of this turmoil and peril are Rebekah and a Roman centurion who has come to care deeply for her. Both will be swept up in a journey of faith and love that changes their lives forever.

'An entertaining and rewarding read...highly recommended.' -- Midwest Book Review

'The Good Thief,' (308 pages, ISBN 978-1-4502-3287-6) and 'On the Road to Damascus: The Story of Rebekah and Lucius,' (281 pages; ISBN: 978-1-4759-9765-1), are available from www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesAndNoble.com. Both titles are available in soft cover and for Kindle, Nook and e-book readers. The author is a professional writer who lives and works in Bethel, Connecticut.

Note to Editors: Color JPEGs of the covers for both books -- original paintings by noted New Yorker Magazine artist Joseph Farris -- can be found here.