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.
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.
MY THOUGHTS
I really liked the characters, and I loved seeing their passion for the Lord. Cyprus was misunderstood by her neighbors and was striving to be good enough for the miracle that healed her—trying to find her purpose. Her relationship with her sisters was so sweet to see. The way they loved each other and sacrificed for each other was so inspiring. Petros was so kind and selfless. And Nikolaus was such an inspiration. It was amazing to see the kind of faith he had.
This story really brought a whole new perspective to Santa Claus. It made me see the tradition in a whole new light, which I greatly appreciated. I’ve been disheartened by the commercialism of the holiday, so it was wonderful to read about the origin of Santa Claus and to see how God-honoring it was in the beginning.
This story broke my heart at times, but it also pieced it back together. This was a beautiful love story. Not just the romantic kind, but also the love God has for His children. I loved it so much and highly, highly recommend it!
FIVE STARS
Gotta love a 5-star read! :D
ReplyDeleteRight? There's not much better than that. :D
DeleteI’m glad it brought a balance of heartbreak and hope—those are the stories that tend to stick with you the longest.
ReplyDeleteThat's very true. I always love to see the characters triumph after hard times. It's so inspiring. :)
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