Review & FLASH GIVEAWAY (Kindle Copy) ~ Giver of Wonders by Roseanna White

266 pages
WhiteFire Publishing (November 1, 2016)
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.

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My Review

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.

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FLASH GIVEAWAY!!!

I am giving away a Kindle copy. You must be a blog follower to be entered. Leave a comment along with your email address and let me know how you follow, whether it is by GFC or email. I will check to make sure. A winner will be chosen sometime over Christmas weekend!