“Giver of Wonders” ~ Book Review

Dec 12, 2016 by Rachel

Welcome back to Rachel’s Back Talk! I’m so glad you could join me again. Today I am reviewing Roseanna White’s book, Giver of Wonders.

 

As is my custom, if I could ask Roseanna one question about Giver of Wonders it would be — “What made you want to write about the story of St. Nicholas?” And if you want to know why I asked that question, I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out!

 

And without further ado, onto Rachel’s Back Talk!

 

From the Back Cover:

Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed…and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires…and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus’s father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord’s greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others…and a centuries-long tradition will be born.

 

Rachel’s Back Talk:

5 – award winning covers

            

Every Roseanna White book I read sure enough becomes my current favorite! I absolutely loved Giver of Wonders for all the meaning that it held, the emotion, the story line, and the Christmas sentiment! It was a story of love, family, faith, and sacrifice. A story that showed the true meaning of Christmas, the love between three sisters, and a historical Biblical background that was engaging and inspiring.

Cyprus is a girl who motivated me. She had courage to do all that she needed to do. She yearned for a faith that continued to grow more towards Christ. And she had a love for her family that she was willing to sacrifice even herself for the sake of her father and sisters.

And then there was Petros — who always loved Cyprus, but the two of them played a game of “best friend” or “more than best friend” until it was almost two late. Petros’ true character was revealed and I loved the growth that he overcame in this story.

Of course, one must not forget Nicholas. Nicholas is known as the “wonder worker” and while he has an amazing gift at healing others in the name of Christ, Nicholas goes through many periods of self-doubt. He shows the conflict that Christians face daily when they struggle to understand Christ and the faith that comes with believing on His name.

Did I mention I loved this book? It is a wonderful Christmas read — one, in my opinion, to read every December.

 

I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required — all opinions are my own.

 

Other books by Roseanna I will read next:

A Name Unknown (Shadows Over England)

Ring of Secrets (Culper Ring Series)

Whispers from the Shadows (Culper Ring Series)