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library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Cyprus's family is in a lot of debt due to her father's irresponsible lifestyle leaving her and her sisters with ruined reputations and little opportunities for their futures. Petros and Nikolaos, Cyprus's childhood friends do everything they can to help Cyprus and her sisters during this time.
To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up 'Giver of Wonders' since it's one of Roseanna's earlier books. I've mostly read her newer ones, so I wasn't sure how different - if at all - her older books would be. I ended up enjoying this one. Though I didn't lose sleep for it as I have some of her newer ones, it was still an interesting read. It was fun to read a different genre by Roseanna and meeting more of her lovely characters. At first, I was expecting more of a love-triangle since both Petros and Nikolaos are in love with Cyprus, but there isn't any drama around it which is nice for a change.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to lovers of the Ancient Civilizations, origin stories, or the friends to lovers trope. I especially recommend it to those who want to read something during the Christmas season that has Christmas themes without being overpowering like some entirely Christmas-themed novels. It was the perfect after-Christmas/before-New Years book.
Cyprus's family is in a lot of debt due to her father's irresponsible lifestyle leaving her and her sisters with ruined reputations and little opportunities for their futures. Petros and Nikolaos, Cyprus's childhood friends do everything they can to help Cyprus and her sisters during this time.
To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up 'Giver of Wonders' since it's one of Roseanna's earlier books. I've mostly read her newer ones, so I wasn't sure how different - if at all - her older books would be. I ended up enjoying this one. Though I didn't lose sleep for it as I have some of her newer ones, it was still an interesting read. It was fun to read a different genre by Roseanna and meeting more of her lovely characters. At first, I was expecting more of a love-triangle since both Petros and Nikolaos are in love with Cyprus, but there isn't any drama around it which is nice for a change.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to lovers of the Ancient Civilizations, origin stories, or the friends to lovers trope. I especially recommend it to those who want to read something during the Christmas season that has Christmas themes without being overpowering like some entirely Christmas-themed novels. It was the perfect after-Christmas/before-New Years book.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I have read a few books by Roseanna M. White and enjoyed them. I assumed all of her books were set during the 19th and early 20th century. I just discovered recently that she has also written books set in the ancient world. I am fascinated by the different time periods during that era, so I was really excited to pick up "Giver of Wonders," which is set in roughly 200 A.D.
This book features Nikolaos, who would later been known as Saint Nicolas, and even later as Santa Claus. Though the events in this book are fictional, the author shows how Nikolaos' positive attitude and generous spirit endeared him to people.
Other characters in this book also display those characteristics. Cyprus, Rhoda, and Alexandria are wonderful, godly women. I loved how devoted they are to God and to each other. I also loved the romance between Cyprus and Petros. They genuinely loved each other and strive to care for one another to the best of their ability. They aren't perfect, of course, but their relationship is healthy. My favorite thing about this book is that the romance was lovely, but that it wasn't the main focus. Familial and platonic relationships played a big part in this story, which I appreciated. I also loved how scripture and faith was interwoven into the story. It was awesome to see characters who lived out there faith everyday and loved others around them well.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because there were some slow parts. My interest in the story as a whole never wavered, but I did find myself rushing through certain chapters, so I could get to the action.
I am looking forward to reading more book by Roseanna M. White set in ancient times.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This book features Nikolaos, who would later been known as Saint Nicolas, and even later as Santa Claus. Though the events in this book are fictional, the author shows how Nikolaos' positive attitude and generous spirit endeared him to people.
Other characters in this book also display those characteristics. Cyprus, Rhoda, and Alexandria are wonderful, godly women. I loved how devoted they are to God and to each other. I also loved the romance between Cyprus and Petros. They genuinely loved each other and strive to care for one another to the best of their ability. They aren't perfect, of course, but their relationship is healthy. My favorite thing about this book is that the romance was lovely, but that it wasn't the main focus. Familial and platonic relationships played a big part in this story, which I appreciated. I also loved how scripture and faith was interwoven into the story. It was awesome to see characters who lived out there faith everyday and loved others around them well.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because there were some slow parts. My interest in the story as a whole never wavered, but I did find myself rushing through certain chapters, so I could get to the action.
I am looking forward to reading more book by Roseanna M. White set in ancient times.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
michellef's review against another edition
4.0
`Giver of Wonders` How a Christmas Tradition Began' is a historical fiction novel written by author Roseanna M. White. Roseanna White homeschools her two children and has an abundant amount of historical novels available.
The main characters were Cyprus Visibullis and Nikolaos. Cyprus had a fall that left her paralyzed and Nikolaos, wonder worker, healed her. Throughout the story it is plain that Nikolaos believes in God and as a Christian he gives God credit for the healings.
Rosanna reminds the reader that faith is not easy. She says with easy comes rules and with rules comes religion. Being a Christian is not about rules but a relationship with a living person, Christ Jesus.
I recommend this book to believers and seekers.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
The main characters were Cyprus Visibullis and Nikolaos. Cyprus had a fall that left her paralyzed and Nikolaos, wonder worker, healed her. Throughout the story it is plain that Nikolaos believes in God and as a Christian he gives God credit for the healings.
Rosanna reminds the reader that faith is not easy. She says with easy comes rules and with rules comes religion. Being a Christian is not about rules but a relationship with a living person, Christ Jesus.
I recommend this book to believers and seekers.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
longtimereader's review against another edition
5.0
I have enjoyed books by this author before. This book, however, is probably now my favorite from Ms. White. Oh my goodness! This is an amazing read! I was pulled in right from the start with Cyprus being where her father wouldn't have wanted her to be, and her being chased by less than savory males. Her leaps from roof top to roof top had me holding my breath and this was just the very start of the book! This book is multi faceted. It has so much going on from traditional roots of Christmas and St. Nick (Nicholas) to the days when the first Christians were being persecuted for following Christ, to a story of the wonders of lives and God's moving in those lives, this book captivated me. It's an emotional pull in so many different ways as well. I'm so glad I got to read this book, and I highly recommend it as wonderful reading anytime of the year.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. I wasn't required to leave a review. I have done so of my own free choosing.
My thoughts and my opinions are my own.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. I wasn't required to leave a review. I have done so of my own free choosing.
My thoughts and my opinions are my own.
booksoneveryshelf's review
5.0
I should probably start this review with the usual disclaimer that I am not really a Christmas person. I know, right? Don’t worry, you can lynch me later. Anyway, that being said, I absolutely loved this book! I was so curious to read it for several reasons, the main one being that it sounded like such an unusual take on a Christmas story. I’m already a huge fan of Ms. White’s so I couldn’t resist giving it a go, and I’m so glad that I did! This honestly may be my all time favorite Christmas novel! It is so well written and I loved the unique historical take on a person that has become so prominent in our culture. I also appreciated the historical note at the end, telling the known facts and what was added for effect or was creative license.
Ms. White really outdid herself this time! The writing and details of this story were fantastic! Her stories always draw me in right away and this one definitely wasn’t the exception! I didn’t want to put it down and read it very quickly. I greatly appreciated all of the historical details and it’s very obvious the amount of research she put into making the story accurate. It’s often the minute details that bring a story to life and that is very true of this one. I also enjoyed how she added explanations in a way that seemed natural and not at all like reading a history textbook. Her descriptions are excellent and I loved being transported to early Lycia; learning about the culture and getting to know the Visibullis family.
Cyprus Visibullis is the main heroine of this story, though her sisters play huge roles, as well. I enjoyed getting to know the three sisters, both through Cyprus’ eyes and the eyes of Nikolaos and Petros. Each of the characters seemed to climb right off the pages and into my world. They were so realistic and so well written. Their emotions were almost palpable at times and I quickly fell in love with them. Much of the story focuses on the sisters working to preserve their home and family, and the faith and strength they show is challenging. I often felt as though I was right there with them, fighting to survive and rise again from the sorrow and doubt pulling against them. Nik and Petros were excellent heroes for this story and I enjoyed the connection between them, how they used one another as sounding boards and spoke of everything.
This story is filled with Biblical references and faith matters, many of which challenged and encouraged me, something I always love to find in a fiction novel. I enjoyed getting to see Christmas from the perspective of early Christians and learning how some of our traditions came about. This was possibly my favorite part of the story, because it gave me a new appreciation for a holiday that I often find myself dreading. I needed the reminder that it is about so much more than gifts and treats. I found myself in great need of a reality check and this story does that. It takes the story of Jesus’ birth back to the very basics and I loved that. The joy shown in times of trial and the simple reminder of faith is excellent for Christmas, but also for the entire year. This story was definitely a grand adventure that I’m intending to take several more times.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that takes an old story and breathes new life into it.
My thanks to the author for my advanced copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. White really outdid herself this time! The writing and details of this story were fantastic! Her stories always draw me in right away and this one definitely wasn’t the exception! I didn’t want to put it down and read it very quickly. I greatly appreciated all of the historical details and it’s very obvious the amount of research she put into making the story accurate. It’s often the minute details that bring a story to life and that is very true of this one. I also enjoyed how she added explanations in a way that seemed natural and not at all like reading a history textbook. Her descriptions are excellent and I loved being transported to early Lycia; learning about the culture and getting to know the Visibullis family.
Cyprus Visibullis is the main heroine of this story, though her sisters play huge roles, as well. I enjoyed getting to know the three sisters, both through Cyprus’ eyes and the eyes of Nikolaos and Petros. Each of the characters seemed to climb right off the pages and into my world. They were so realistic and so well written. Their emotions were almost palpable at times and I quickly fell in love with them. Much of the story focuses on the sisters working to preserve their home and family, and the faith and strength they show is challenging. I often felt as though I was right there with them, fighting to survive and rise again from the sorrow and doubt pulling against them. Nik and Petros were excellent heroes for this story and I enjoyed the connection between them, how they used one another as sounding boards and spoke of everything.
This story is filled with Biblical references and faith matters, many of which challenged and encouraged me, something I always love to find in a fiction novel. I enjoyed getting to see Christmas from the perspective of early Christians and learning how some of our traditions came about. This was possibly my favorite part of the story, because it gave me a new appreciation for a holiday that I often find myself dreading. I needed the reminder that it is about so much more than gifts and treats. I found myself in great need of a reality check and this story does that. It takes the story of Jesus’ birth back to the very basics and I loved that. The joy shown in times of trial and the simple reminder of faith is excellent for Christmas, but also for the entire year. This story was definitely a grand adventure that I’m intending to take several more times.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that takes an old story and breathes new life into it.
My thanks to the author for my advanced copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
bellesmoma2021's review against another edition
5.0
Before I begin with my review, I want to quote the author on why she wrote this novel. I think it puts the purpose of this book into perfect perspective.
"My prayer is that you read this interpretation of who Nikolaos may have been as a young man, you come to appreciate that he was so much more than our traditions today give him credit for being. My prayer is that we can all take a few cues from him...that our gifts become less about us. And more about [God]." --Roseanna M. White
I admit, that I dislike most holidays. I dislike most holidays for many reasons. First, and possibly foremost, my parents divorced when I was 12 and holidays became days filled with fights and tension. They became days I dread to this very day. I specifically dislike Thanksgiving and Christmas. On those days, we would have to maneuver between my mom and dad's houses. There was always bad blood and bad words. It's really hard to explain the type of tension I feel when holidays come around (unless, maybe you have experienced the small slice of hell that is angry, fighting, tense divorced parents), so this may make no sense. But, to this day I hate when holidays come up. For me, it is not a time of rest and laughter and love. It is a time of guilt-induced stress: someone will be left out, and I HATE it. But, I also hate these days because they are SO fake. Even people who claim to love Jesus, really make these holidays about the turkeys and the gifts given.
Why explain my dislike of holidays in a book review? Because I bought this book a year ago, and kept putting it off. I put off reading it because I struggled coming to a book I already knew would be about Christmas and St. Nicholas. I only bought the book because it is written by White, and her other novels are amazing, and I wanted to support that talent, but I was not excited to read it like I have been with her other novels. I should have read the Note from the Author pages when I bought this book. Then I would have read Ms. White's intentions for the book, and would have realized that this book is not about Christmas as it is today. It is not about commercialism, nor is it about a jolly, fat man and elves and reindeer. This book is about a man who loved GOD so much he sacrificed everything in order to serve HIM. This book is amazing. It made me laugh, cry (often -- there is a really mean father in this book), cheer, and hold my breath in anticipation. At one point, I genuinely looked at my husband and commented that I didn't know how this book could possibly have a happy ending (it does though!).
The characters in this book are genuine and absolutely believable. The main characters are Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos. Cyprus is a 14 year old woman, Petros is the man in love with Cyprus, and Nikolaos (who also loves Cyprus) is Petros's cousin and best friend. He is also the man who will one day be a Christian legend. What I love so much about this novel is the real-to-life scenarios and emotions that her characters find themselves in: moments where they are unsure how to do the things God wants them to do, moments where their faith is tested, moments where their emotions are brought to the brink or rawness, moments where they have to make a hard choice -- do they make the right one and please God, or the wrong one and choose themselves?
What White does so well in this novel is illustrate how knowledge of the right thing to do constantly battles with the emotions clogging brains begging them to do the selfish, wrong thing. True to life, we are met with choices every day. Many times, we listen to the Voice of God and feel in our chests the right answer, but chose the thing that will make us feel good in that moment. This novel does a good job exploring this issue.
And, of course, this novel does touch on the notion of gift giving. The ultimate gift ever given to man was that of Jesus Christ. God gave HIS one and only beautiful, perfect Son to people who hate Him, who curse Him, who deny Him. There is no other gift in this world more perfect than Jesus. And, Nikolaos got this. He understood that the best gift to give is the anonymous kind. Why? Because ultimately we humans feel indebted to the one who gives a gift. We humans then try to pay back the gift with a gift of our own. Then we lose sight of who we need to bless. In the novel, Nikolaos explains, "They cannot know Dorus. They will feel indebted to me. They will try for the rest of their lives to pay me back--or else they will shout of my generosity far and wide, and this will become about me rather than about God. And that is not what a gift should be. Not about the giver. A gift, a true gift given from nothing but love, should be done in secret. So that God alone sees. So that they 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" (242). This is what giving should be about. It should show the person receiving the gift a picture of God, not a picture of me. All praise is God's, and should forever be!
This novel is amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who need a reminder that holidays are still God's, and that there are still people out there willing and wanting to do the right thing for God's sake.
"My prayer is that you read this interpretation of who Nikolaos may have been as a young man, you come to appreciate that he was so much more than our traditions today give him credit for being. My prayer is that we can all take a few cues from him...that our gifts become less about us. And more about [God]." --Roseanna M. White
I admit, that I dislike most holidays. I dislike most holidays for many reasons. First, and possibly foremost, my parents divorced when I was 12 and holidays became days filled with fights and tension. They became days I dread to this very day. I specifically dislike Thanksgiving and Christmas. On those days, we would have to maneuver between my mom and dad's houses. There was always bad blood and bad words. It's really hard to explain the type of tension I feel when holidays come around (unless, maybe you have experienced the small slice of hell that is angry, fighting, tense divorced parents), so this may make no sense. But, to this day I hate when holidays come up. For me, it is not a time of rest and laughter and love. It is a time of guilt-induced stress: someone will be left out, and I HATE it. But, I also hate these days because they are SO fake. Even people who claim to love Jesus, really make these holidays about the turkeys and the gifts given.
Why explain my dislike of holidays in a book review? Because I bought this book a year ago, and kept putting it off. I put off reading it because I struggled coming to a book I already knew would be about Christmas and St. Nicholas. I only bought the book because it is written by White, and her other novels are amazing, and I wanted to support that talent, but I was not excited to read it like I have been with her other novels. I should have read the Note from the Author pages when I bought this book. Then I would have read Ms. White's intentions for the book, and would have realized that this book is not about Christmas as it is today. It is not about commercialism, nor is it about a jolly, fat man and elves and reindeer. This book is about a man who loved GOD so much he sacrificed everything in order to serve HIM. This book is amazing. It made me laugh, cry (often -- there is a really mean father in this book), cheer, and hold my breath in anticipation. At one point, I genuinely looked at my husband and commented that I didn't know how this book could possibly have a happy ending (it does though!).
The characters in this book are genuine and absolutely believable. The main characters are Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos. Cyprus is a 14 year old woman, Petros is the man in love with Cyprus, and Nikolaos (who also loves Cyprus) is Petros's cousin and best friend. He is also the man who will one day be a Christian legend. What I love so much about this novel is the real-to-life scenarios and emotions that her characters find themselves in: moments where they are unsure how to do the things God wants them to do, moments where their faith is tested, moments where their emotions are brought to the brink or rawness, moments where they have to make a hard choice -- do they make the right one and please God, or the wrong one and choose themselves?
What White does so well in this novel is illustrate how knowledge of the right thing to do constantly battles with the emotions clogging brains begging them to do the selfish, wrong thing. True to life, we are met with choices every day. Many times, we listen to the Voice of God and feel in our chests the right answer, but chose the thing that will make us feel good in that moment. This novel does a good job exploring this issue.
And, of course, this novel does touch on the notion of gift giving. The ultimate gift ever given to man was that of Jesus Christ. God gave HIS one and only beautiful, perfect Son to people who hate Him, who curse Him, who deny Him. There is no other gift in this world more perfect than Jesus. And, Nikolaos got this. He understood that the best gift to give is the anonymous kind. Why? Because ultimately we humans feel indebted to the one who gives a gift. We humans then try to pay back the gift with a gift of our own. Then we lose sight of who we need to bless. In the novel, Nikolaos explains, "They cannot know Dorus. They will feel indebted to me. They will try for the rest of their lives to pay me back--or else they will shout of my generosity far and wide, and this will become about me rather than about God. And that is not what a gift should be. Not about the giver. A gift, a true gift given from nothing but love, should be done in secret. So that God alone sees. So that they 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" (242). This is what giving should be about. It should show the person receiving the gift a picture of God, not a picture of me. All praise is God's, and should forever be!
This novel is amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who need a reminder that holidays are still God's, and that there are still people out there willing and wanting to do the right thing for God's sake.
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