Description
A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?
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.
Anne Payne –
5 STARS!!!
I would give it 10 if I could!
There are always deep spiritual truths and life lessons to be learned when reading one of White’s stories. Giver of Wonders is full of richness that goes beyond imagination.
Soon after beginning to read the story, I had to reach for a highlighter. Page 107 contains some wise advice given to Nikolaos by his uncle in regards to helping those in need.
“Nikolaos.” Uncle’s wizened hand settled, warm and comfortable on his shoulder. “You cannot save the world. You cannot give to all who have need. If you ever begin doling out your gold, you will soon find the whole countryside clamoring at your door, claiming desperation.”
“But they are not the world—they are my friends.”
“All the more reason to stay out of their affairs. It is one thing to help a friend in need, but to obliterate their debts, to take from them the consequences they have rightly earned…” Uncle shook his head, and a wisp of silver hair drifted across his cheek. “Give without reason and you will take from them a reason to improve. Dorus Visibullis has a lesson to learn here. One he will not learn if he does not taste the fruits of his behavior.” (emphasis mine)
To understand the full context of the quote, you will have to read the story but the reason this passage spoke to me as it did is because often when dealing with choices my children make, I want to ‘fix’ everything for them so they don’t suffer the consequences. You know, make life easier for them than it was for me. But that is not in their best interest. As Uncle says, there are lessons to be learned and they can only be learned by experience. I want the Lord to use each opportunity to draw my children closer to him, to trust him more, to use their knowledge aptly, applying it correctly so they can become wise.
I truly cannot express the depths of love and faith that this story holds. It has a fascinating cast of characters and gives a greater understanding of the legend of St. Nikolaos. The historical luxuriance is enthralling. My heart actually swelled with emotion throughout this story of miracles, love, heartache, sacrifice and wonder. It is one I will not ever forget.
I was provided a copy of Giver of Wonders from the author and Celebrate Lit blogging program. No positive review was required and no compensation has been received.
leliamae –
Well researched and very well written historical fiction based on Saint Nikolaos, not the premise that we think of the jolly man in the red suit. Nikolaos has the ability to heal people that have the faith in God to believe. He is best friends with his cousin Petros and together they have their first encounter with Cyprus when she falls. This is a story of love, loss, self sacrifice, faith, tragedy, and touches your heart deeply. Ms White has a way with words that bring the characters and settings to life, that make you feel you are there observing the story as it progresses like a well oiled machine. This is not your typical Christmas story, but has meat that you can sink your teeth into and have an enjoyable read. Hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are not required.
Rebecca Maney –
“Yours is not to live the life of an invalid, Cyprus, not today. Yours is to know the power of God.”
Young Cyprus Visibullis has never known such fear; falling from a rooftop as she frantically tries to escape her would be pursuers, Cyprus awakens to paralysis and two pairs of very concerned eyes. One pair issues her a gentle command that will change the course of her life forever, “get up and walk”. The “wonder worker” of Patara, Lycia has harnessed the mighty power of the Holy Spirit and healed her.
Years pass as Cyprus and her twin sisters mature into very lovely young women with bright futures and secure betrothals. Their father, a famed local merchant with seemingly endless resources, is determined to have his daughters marry into wealth. Openly pagan, Dorus Visibullus indulges his wife’s faith upon occasion, but publicly insists that the wealthy Nikolaos, son of Ephanius, should forsake his intentions of priesthood and seek engagement to his daughter, Cyprus. Faithfully by the side of his cousin, is Petros, son of Theophanes, an aspiring lawyer, who becomes clearly enamored with the raven haired beauty.
When tragedy strikes and the Visibullus family loses all they hold dear, Dorus curses the God of his youth and insists that only gold raining down from the heavens will save his family from ultimate ruin. Savor this intensely beautiful and romantic story with a depth of spiritual undertones that are clearly inspired, reminding all of us, maybe for the first time, that the beloved Saint Nicholas of the fourth century church was indeed a “giver of wonders”.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Debbie –
“Giver Of Wonders” by Roseanna M. White is a wonderful story. I absolutely loved this book and I stayed up till 2 am to finish it because I just had to know how it ended. And it was worth missing a couple of hours of sleep.
If you want to know how the story of St. Nicholas got started then you need to read this book, no this book isn’t about Santa Claus coming on Christmas Eve and bringing toys to good little boys and girls, but about a man who loved God and gave gifts secretly to those in need.
This book made me cry and then it made my heart rejoice.
This book would be a great story to read anytime you need to be reminded that there is good and honest people in this world, even if this story is about the past. This story is also one that could be a Christmas favorite every year!
I can’t believe fathers and future father in laws were like the fathers in this story, this story is written about the time that fathers were expected to give dowrys when their daughters were married.
This book is also a love story about two people in love that overcome many obstacles.
I am giving “Giver of Wonders” by Roseanna M. White five stars but wish I could give it more. I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
calamity_manda –
This story is amazing! I love how Roseanna brings to life the original story behind St. Nicholas, something I hadn’t read much on. I can imagine that it is hard to write about someone who lived so long ago (with finding information about them). I thought that the story was excellent, since it flows well and does St. Nicholas justice. Two thumbs up!
laknermegan –
Not only this the perfect book to read around Christmas time, it’s the kind of book that will stick with you the rest of the year! I’ve always loved Roseanna’s books, she’s an auto-buy author for me, but I hadn’t gotten around to reading this one yet. I don’t know what took me so long!
It tells the story of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Clause. Now we know St. Nicholas was a real person and that he did give his money away to people in need, but there’s a lot we don’t know as well. Roseanna does a great job with writing what could have happened, and in such a beautiful way.
I loved Cyprus and her sisters, the closeness they eventually shared with one another. Petro and Nicholas are wonderful characters, especially the love they each have for Cyprus and the lengths they’ll go to help her and her family.
The faith thread throughout is just stunningly beautiful. The journey each character goes on in learning how to truly trust God even if it means putting yourself in danger to save others, and then seeing how God delivers them. It was just beautiful. I highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially for those looking for a Christmas romance with a deeper theme.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
joanne –
A fascinating, suspenseful, engaging tale of dedication to God, love, healing, desperation, and our witness to unbelievers set a few hundred years after Christ. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you’ve ever wondered about the “real” Saint Nicholas, this is a great place to start – but even if you haven’t, the story will grab you. Recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
mindyhoung (verified owner) –
“God’s plan is a living thing because it deals with living people.”
I have been meaning to read this book for a long time and I’m glad that I got to read it during Advent. Roseanna M White is masterful at immersing her readers into the world of her story – it is true today of her newest books as it is of her older ones like this one, released in 2016. The city of Patara in Lycia under the rule of Augustus Diocletian was a fascinating place and time to visit and I loved learning about the history of the early church through Cyprus’ family and Nikolaos’ involvement in the local church.
I loved Nikolaos and the faith lesson he learns through his portion of the story – that God is the ultimate healer and fixer and it has nothing to do with us. His unwavering faith and devotion, even in the midst of pain and loneliness, painted a true picture of holiness and abandon we can pursue. Petros, with his gifted tongue, was more jovial and more inclined towards living out his faith in his vocation and family. Cyprus was a spunky child who unfortunately got beaten down by circumstances of her life but finds her purpose and meaning again. Her faith, as well as her older sisters’ faith, was admirable in the face of persecution. Though I did not enjoy the love triangle in the story, I loved all the other aspects of the book.
If you are a historical romance fan and want to reimagine how the legend of Saint Nicholas came about, this is the perfect story for you. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of WhiteFire and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Kathryn Bochman –
Giver of Wonders by Roseanna White is a beautiful Christmas story highlighting the legend of St. Nicholas. Set in ancient Greece, White takes her readers to a time where corruption and poverty reign freely, yet the hope of Christmas miracles cannot be dashed. Full of history of the times, Giver of Wonders was a delight of truly believable characters fighting for hope amid utter desperation. White outdid herself in creating a plot that filled the senses and presented a message of true sacrifice that our world needs to hear.
White’s books have never disappointed, and this Christmas tale is not exception! I highly recommend it!
I received the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
kmbslocum –
“To some were given the working of miracles. The gift of healing. To some like Nikolaos.”
If you think Christmas is about someone who children believe will bring gifts down the chimney, Giver of Wonders will show you Saint Nikolaos as you have never seen him before. Through the lens of young Cyprus and her family, see the man the legends are based on – a true believer and servant of God, a Holy Spirit filled man of prayer, a performer of miracles as God gave him the ability. And place those legends in the proper context of history, culture, and time to never view Christmas traditions the same way ever again.
The deep Biblical applications in this book are plenteous. I highlighted a record number of quotes and heard myself saying “wow” nearly every other page. This plausible, third century tale with modern applications will leave you encouraged, challenged, and awed. Strongly developed characters, well researched background, and White’s captivating writing style combine to deliver an instant classic and a new favorite Christmas read.
For lovers of historical fiction and fiction based on truth, that entertains while making you think, don’t miss this remarkable story of faith, hope, and love. It is one you will not soon forget.
“A gift, a true gift given from nothing but love, should be done in secret. So that God alone sees. So that the giver’s only reward is what the Lord decides to bestow. Not even the joy of seeing their joy. Just the joy of knowing one did what one ought.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from WhiteFire Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
MelissasBookshelf –
“A gift, a true gift given from nothing but love, should be done in secret. So that God alone sees.”
Love, loss, sacrifice & faith bring a legend to life in this lovely historical romance. From the first, I was drawn into this story based on the early life of St. Nikolaos. I loved the way Roseanna M. White brought St. Nikolaos to life first as a young man with the gift of healing to his journey towards becoming a saint. It’s a heartfelt, inspiring read perfect for the Christmas season.
Cyprus defies her father’s wishes & visits the docks to see his ship come in. But, her decision leads to a terrible accident leaving her paralyzed. When she’s miraculously healed by a stranger, she becomes fast friends with Nikolaos, the man of wonders, who healed her, & his cousin Petros. Though Cyprus is enamored with Nikolaos, his focus is on his mission. Petros is in love with Cyprus, but her father only sees Nikolaos’ wealth. When tragedy strikes, will Nikolaos & Petros be able to save Cyprus once again or will she be required to give the ultimate sacrifice for her sisters’ happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved the friendship between Nikolaos, Petros & Cyprus. Though there’s some rivalry there I enjoyed the way the romance played out & who ultimately won Cyprus’ heart. It was a little bittersweet, but I loved the ending & the explanation for why children placed their shoes by the fire for a gift on Christmas Eve.
I loved the setting & learning more about what early Christians in Lycia believed. I enjoyed the explanation for celebrating Christ’s birth in December & the lovely threads of faith woven throughout the story. St. Nikolaos’s story is beautifully portrayed here & I loved the focus on his faith & desire to bless others. Definitely a new favorite Christmas story!
Talita Adendorff –
So I got to read Giver of Wonders this festive season, and although I am a big fan of Roseanna M White, I didn’t even know about this book and probably would not have picked it up as it’s not really my genre, but I am glad that I did.
It’s a very interesting read, and although after the first gripping scene, it lagged a bit for me, I got to the point where I did not want to put it down and really enjoyed the story.
The story follows Cyprus, her two older sisters, and the young men they love. It plays off about 300 years after the birth of Christ and during the early Christian church.
I definitely recommend it as an interesting non-traditional Christmas read; you get invested in the characters and hope for their happiness.
candideweekes –
Giver of Wonders by Roseanna M. White a great read.
I really liked the story and the author did a great job with the background settings and events.
The characters were very relatable and I enjoyed reading it.
I think my favourite part was the setting of the story and how well developped the characters were.
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
Maggie Rosario –
While the Christmas Season may be winding down (I post this on the Twelfth Day of Christmas), Giver of Wonders is still a fun, festive, holiday read to be enjoyed outside of the season. Jolly old Saint Nik needn’t be confined to the month of December to be read about and to offer inspiration. I was fortunate to have enjoyed Giver of Wonders during the merry days after Christmas, a part of my holiday celebrations which I was quite grateful for.
Something particularly enjoyable about this novel is that, while St. Nikolaos is a key figure in the narrative, the story of his miracles and generosity is approached from the perspective of a family in need of a miracle. Cyprus, her sisters, and her Abbas are faced with challenging decisions, drawing readers to join the family in the pains and trials. The inspirational generosity of St. Nicholas becomes so much more precious and important when you can understand the real situation for young women at the time when St. Nicholas did his good deeds. The old tale of a generous bishop tossing gold for dowries through a window comes alive through Mrs. White’s storytelling. The engaging, rather difficult to put down, novel kept me enthralled with the lives and choices of the central characters the entire length of the novel.
On a more philosophical note, the novel, as a Protestant work, was an interesting read for me as a Catholic. While I think the richness of Catholic tradition and history would lend even more depth than the novel reaches, there was something appealing about the shared love between Catholic and Protestant alike for the wonderful stories and legends surrounding St. Nicholas. There is much to be gained for everyone – no matter faith or religion – from a good reading and closeness to the saints. Perhaps Giver of Wonders does not present a historically perfect rendering of St. Nicholas. No matter. The beauty of God’s saints is that they inspire through the goodness they are remembered for and draw man’s thoughts to love of God and neighbor. Enjoying White’s Giver of Wonders may be just the thing to help readers meditate on the outstanding virtue exemplified in the original Santa Claus.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of Giver of Wonders so I might offer an honest review. All opinions and views expressed above are my own.
phillipians4_8 –
This book of how a Christmas tradition came about kept me turning the pages!
Cyprus and her sisters and mother are believers, but forbidden to worship with other believers by her lost father. After his financial decisions plunge the family into ruin, the girls are forced to cling ever closer to their Lord and each other as many believe they have received what they deserve and their father emotionally abandons them, leaving them to the mercy of debtors and worse.
Giver of Wonders is a beautifully inspiring story of faith, hope, and true love, especially the love of the Lord, in the face of loss and tragedy.
Petros and Nikolaus were both dear favorites of mine in their own ways, both selflessly sacrificing out of true love for the Lord and Cyprus.
Petros’ and Cyprus’ love for each other was so pure and so sweet. Possibly the best I’ve ever read. Absolutely beautiful and a truly healthy relationship. The book blurb hints at a love triangle, but the drama it lacked, because each truly loved sacrificially was so refreshing and beautiful. The ending was perfection, everything tender and bittersweet.
While I may not have agreed with quite everything theologically in this historical fiction book, the story was absolutely beautiful.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
bloomingwithbooks –
Giver of Wonders
By Roseanna M. White
Giver of Wonder is an interesting read. It is a Christmas story, but not in the way most people think. Set in the early days of the Christian faith, when it was on the edge of persecution and acceptable, it follows the Visibullis family. The father is a firm non-believer, while his wife and three daughters are.
Although the Visibullis women are forbidden from worshipping with fellow believers, we are given a unique look into the lives of believers who gather in their own gathering—home worship, as many of the earliest believers did.
The youngest daughter, Cyprus was given a gift of healing that changed her life and that of her sisters when Petros and Nikolaos came to her aid. Soon, Cyprus and her sisters began a friendship with the young men. With many ups and downs, Cyprus and her sisters grew up and faced even more significant challenges to their faith. The greatest challenge comes just as the celebration of Christ’s birth arrives – only a miracle can save them.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.