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About the Book
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.
About the Author
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two small children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels…to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Guest Post from Roseanna White
I was fed up with Christmas.
Or, no. I was fed up with the Christmas the world kept shoving at me. The one that was all about presents. I’d always enjoyed gift giving and receiving, but I began to wonder: What was it I really valued—my Savior . . . or the stuff? We all say the right thing when this question is brought up. But we also all talk about “giving people Christmas” who can’t afford it. About how disappointed our kids might be if they wake to few packages under the tree. And you know, that belies our claims that it’s all about Jesus, doesn’t it?
And of course, when one thinks of gifts at Christmas, a jolly old elf springs to mind. So I started thinking that if I wanted my kids to understand the meaning of Christmas, it might be time to pull the plug on the embodiment of the commercialism: Santa Claus.
But I’m a historical novelist, and I believe in looking at the real history before making decisions. So one morning before our homeschool day began, I sat down and did some online research about Saint Nicholas. About the traditions he began that persist to this day. Who was he, before the Victorians turned him into the figure we know today as Santa?
I read. And I was awed.
Within fifteen minutes, I realized that St. Nick wasn’t the problem with Christmas. This was a man who was committed, above all, to honoring Jesus. Who believed in giving anonymously, so that all the glory went to God. Who performed miracles. Who healed and shepherded a flock under persecution.
St. Nicholas was a man who deserves my honor and respect. Who should be my inspiration for what Christmas is really about, not my scapegoat.
Nicholas gave generously—and in secret. It wasn’t until after his death that the stories started making their rounds about the many times he quietly gave of his wealth. But for centuries afterward, whenever someone wanted to give a gift anonymously, they would sign it from St. Nicholas—it was like saying, “This is because God loves you.”
Why are we giving? Is it to give God glory . . . or to please ourselves and our families? Would you still give if you got no credit for it? If no one even knew it was from you?
That day I read about St. Nicholas, I also decided I’d write a book with him as one of the main characters. A novel that brings one of our traditions—gifts coming down chimneys, stockings stuffed with goodies—to life. And so, we have Giver of Wonders. Is it a Christmas story? It is. But not like the others out there.
Is it about Santa Claus? It is, but not the version you see all over your TV. Is it about giving? It is. But not about presents wrapped and put under the tree. It’s about sacrifice. And it’s about Jesus. And it’s about what He really asks of us, and what He really did for us. And what we’re willing to give for love of Him.
Because that, my friends, is Christmas.
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Rebecca's Review
5 STARS!!!
"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".
Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".
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December 6: Neverending Stories
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December 7: Moments Dipped in Ink
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December 16: For The Love of Books
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December 18: Henry Happens
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December 19: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a stocking full of wonder! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this blog post to claim nine extra entries in the giveaway!
I really enjoyed this story.
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia, Roseanna's gift of writing is amazing. I can't imagine not enjoying her books. :)
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Have a blessed weekend!
Beautiful review! I've not yet read Roseanna's books. Her books are on my wish list! Thank you for being a part of the tour!
ReplyDeleteOh, Caryl! You are missing some of THE BEST in Christian fiction!!! I kid you not. Roseanna's biblical fiction is right up there next to Francine Rivers!
DeleteThanks for your sweet comment. Sorry it took me so long to respond. Have a great day~