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MY REVIEW:<\/strong><\/p>\n I have read and very much enjoyed Roseanna White’s Ladies of the Manor series so I eagerly agreed to participate in the blog tour for “Giver of Wonders”. It was evident from the cover image that this book would have an entirely different setting but I neglected to actually read the description of the story. I had no idea what I had agreed to read. Now that I have read the entire story I am so happy that I didn’t have previous knowledge of what to expect. I loved the moment when the light bulb came on and I realized exactly whose story I was reading! Some may call me dense but I usually just dive into a book and let it take me where it will. I’m glad I did that with this one.<\/p>\n I truly enjoyed reading this story about Cyprus, Nikolaos, Petros, and the Visibullis family. I was immediately captivated during the first few pages and had to keep reading to learn what might happen next. I found the details about early church history to be extremely interesting and loved how each of the primary characters sought to follow the Lord’s plan for their lives. Some history, a bit of danger, plenty of drama, and a touch of romance all work together to create a compelling narrative that is partially truth and partially fiction yet paints an entirely believable tale of a Christmas tradition that exists to this day. A story of sacrificial love “Giver of Wonders” is the perfect book to bring our hearts and minds back to Jesus, the true reason for the season. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n ABOUT THE BOOK:<\/strong><\/p>\n Click to purchase<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?<\/p>\n Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed\u2026and 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2026and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.<\/p>\n Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others\u2026and a centuries-long tradition will be born.<\/p>\n Click here <\/a>to purchase your copy.<\/strong><\/p>\n ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n GUEST POST FROM ROSEANNA WHITE:<\/strong><\/p>\n I was fed up with Christmas.<\/p>\n Or, no. I was fed up with the Christmas the world kept shoving at me. The one that was all about presentes. I\u2019d always enjoyed gift giving and receiving, but I began to wonder: What was it I really valued\u2014my Savior . . . or the stuff? We all say<\/em> the right thing when this question is brought up. But we also all talk about \u201cgiving people Christmas\u201d who can\u2019t 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\u2019s all about Jesus, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n But I\u2019m 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?<\/p>\n I read. And I was awed.<\/p>\n Within fifteen minutes, I realized that St. Nick wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Nicholas gave generously\u2014and in secret. It wasn\u2019t 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\u2014it was like saying, \u201cThis is because God loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n Why are we<\/em> 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?<\/p>\n That day I read about St. Nicholas, I also decided I\u2019d write a book with him as one of the main characters. A novel that brings one of our traditions\u2014gifts coming down chimneys, stockings stuffed with goodies\u2014to life. And so, we have Giver of Wonders<\/em>.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s about sacrifice<\/em>. And it\u2019s about Jesus. And it\u2019s about what He really asks of us, and what He really did for us. And what we\u2019re willing to give for love of Him.<\/p>\n Because that<\/em>, my friends, is Christmas.<\/p>\n BLOG STOPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n December 6:\u00a0Neverending Stories<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 6:\u00a0Blossoms and Blessings<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 7:\u00a0Moments Dipped in Ink<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 7:\u00a0A Greater Yes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 8:\u00a0Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 8:\u00a0Book by Book<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 9:\u00a0Stuff & Nonsense<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 9:\u00a0Chas Ray\u2019s Book Nerd Corner <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 10:\u00a0Blogging With Carol<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 10:\u00a0Giveaway Lady<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 11:\u00a0New Horizon Reviews<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 11:\u00a0A Simple Life, really?!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 12:\u00a0D\u2019S QUILTS & BOOKS<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 12:\u00a0Genesis 5020<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 13:\u00a0Daysong Reflections<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 13:\u00a0Inklings and Notions <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 14:\u00a0A Reader\u2019s Brain<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 14:\u00a0Pause for Tales<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 15:\u00a0Redeemed Hope Dweller<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 15: simple harvest reads<\/a><\/p>\n December 16:\u00a0Baker Kella<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 16:\u00a0For The Love of Books<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 17:\u00a0Bibliophile Reviews<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 17:\u00a0Reader\u2019s Cozy Corner<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 18:\u00a0Henry Happens<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 18:\u00a0Bigreadersite <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 19:\u00a0History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n December 19:\u00a0Debbie\u2019s Dusty Deliberations<\/a><\/p>\n GIVEAWAY:<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/divider2.png\" "\\"divider2\\"")
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\n<\/a>Roseanna M. White<\/strong> pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she\u2019s 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\u2026to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n