What do you think?
Rate this book
Greatest Gift
Is there one more miracle left?Teenager Elizabeth Stewart has been given the gift of life once more and uses it to risk everything for a close friend – even though it means leaving behind her father, Michael.Distraught, Michael poses as a Roman soldier, takes a sea journey with an Apostle, and is asked to help write part of the Gospel in his quest to safely bring his daughter home to the twenty-first century.In present time, Hewitt Paul, an embittered FBI special agent, seeks solutions to the mysteries surrounding Elizabeth and Michael's disappearance.As faith collides with cynicism and compassion faces off against cruelty, these three people will encounter the unimaginable in ways that alter their lives forever.Thrilling, illuminating, and ultimately resounding, THE GREATEST GIFT concludes the trilogy begun in NECESSARY HEARTBREAK and EVERYBODY'S DAUGHTER in awe-inspiring fashion.
- GenresFantasy
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
6 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Michael John Sullivan
41 books138 followersMichael John Sullivan Michael John Sullivan graduated with a communications degree and a promising future in the field of journalism after working for the official school paper the previous two years. Six months later, he found himself washing his hair in a toilet at the same university as he prepared for a job interview.
Sullivan was homeless at the age of 23 after first watching his mother -- his protector in a dysfunctional family -- die from cancer. A year later his father asked him to leave. Riding a New York City subway train at night, his only companion was a green plastic bag of belongings. During these bleak days he began writing his most reflective and emotional childhood and adult memories now featured in two of his novels.
On a bitterly cold New Year's Eve that year, Sullivan intentionally hid under a pew in the back of a church to stay warm for the night. After the doors were locked, he lay near a makeshift manger, writing and talking to the baby Jesus. It was a cathartic experience, one that would continue to resonate with him years later.
He was rescued off the train by an aunt and uncle.
After spending much of the past two decades raising their daughters while working at home, Sullivan returned to his notes in 2007 and began writing Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness. It was published by Simon & Schuster's Gallery Books imprint in April 2010. The Library Journal named Necessary Heartbreak as one of the year's best in Christian fiction for 2010. He recently finished the sequel, Everybody's Daughter, featuring more memories from his young adult life, including the day he walked to Forest Park as he contemplated taking his own life. Only the strains of a song prevented him from doing the unthinkable.
Sullivan lives with his family in New York. He is a board member for the Long Island Coalition of the Homeless.
Published works
Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness.
Sullivan was homeless at the age of 23 after first watching his mother -- his protector in a dysfunctional family -- die from cancer. A year later his father asked him to leave. Riding a New York City subway train at night, his only companion was a green plastic bag of belongings. During these bleak days he began writing his most reflective and emotional childhood and adult memories now featured in two of his novels.
On a bitterly cold New Year's Eve that year, Sullivan intentionally hid under a pew in the back of a church to stay warm for the night. After the doors were locked, he lay near a makeshift manger, writing and talking to the baby Jesus. It was a cathartic experience, one that would continue to resonate with him years later.
He was rescued off the train by an aunt and uncle.
After spending much of the past two decades raising their daughters while working at home, Sullivan returned to his notes in 2007 and began writing Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness. It was published by Simon & Schuster's Gallery Books imprint in April 2010. The Library Journal named Necessary Heartbreak as one of the year's best in Christian fiction for 2010. He recently finished the sequel, Everybody's Daughter, featuring more memories from his young adult life, including the day he walked to Forest Park as he contemplated taking his own life. Only the strains of a song prevented him from doing the unthinkable.
Sullivan lives with his family in New York. He is a board member for the Long Island Coalition of the Homeless.
Published works
Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness.
Trivia
So You Think You're a New Yorker (ISBN 978-1557700513)
Children's Sports Bibliographies
The New York Rangers Hockey Team (Great Sports Teams) (ISBN 978-0766010239)
Top 10 Baseball Pitchers (ISBN 0894905201)
Sports Great Shaquille O'Neal (Sports Great Books) (ISBN 978-0766010031)
Mark Messier: Star Center (Sports Reports) (ISBN 978-0894908019)
Sports Great Barry Bonds (Sports Great Books) (ISBN 978-0894905957)
Chris Mullin: Star Forward (Sport Reports) (ISBN 978-0894904868)
Sports Great Darryl Strawberry (Sports Great Books) (ISBN 978-0894902918)
Children's Action Series
Ultimate Adventures New Digidestined, Vol. 2 (ISBN 978-0061072062)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 29, 2014
Excellent Ending To A Great Series
I've been following the When Time Forgets series for a while now and each book has had the unique aspect of being inspirational without having religious overtones. This aspect has kept me reading the series, but also, I have enjoyed reading what Jerusalem and the depictions of people from the Bible, from Mr. Sullivan's point of view. In The Greatest Gift, I found myself connected with some characters more than others, but essentially the story was of the same excellent quality of the books before. It included mystery, action, inspiration, and was vividly drawn with words, as the story became increasingly more interesting.
What made The Greatest Gift stand out, to me, was finding out more about Hewitt Paul--a minor character from the series. Though he was not one of my favorite characters, I liked how his vulnerability showed toward the end. My favorite characters, aside from Michael and Elizabeth, would have to be Connie and Susan. I loved Connie's no-filter approach toward Hewitt...and well, anyone. Susan was lovable in a practical way and was a good friend. Dennis was another great character.
There are two endings to this book. The author lets the reader choose. I've never been one to discriminate happy endings, so I chose them both! Great ending to the When Time Forgets series.
-- Laurie Kozlowski
www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
I've been following the When Time Forgets series for a while now and each book has had the unique aspect of being inspirational without having religious overtones. This aspect has kept me reading the series, but also, I have enjoyed reading what Jerusalem and the depictions of people from the Bible, from Mr. Sullivan's point of view. In The Greatest Gift, I found myself connected with some characters more than others, but essentially the story was of the same excellent quality of the books before. It included mystery, action, inspiration, and was vividly drawn with words, as the story became increasingly more interesting.
What made The Greatest Gift stand out, to me, was finding out more about Hewitt Paul--a minor character from the series. Though he was not one of my favorite characters, I liked how his vulnerability showed toward the end. My favorite characters, aside from Michael and Elizabeth, would have to be Connie and Susan. I loved Connie's no-filter approach toward Hewitt...and well, anyone. Susan was lovable in a practical way and was a good friend. Dennis was another great character.
There are two endings to this book. The author lets the reader choose. I've never been one to discriminate happy endings, so I chose them both! Great ending to the When Time Forgets series.
-- Laurie Kozlowski
www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
September 14, 2014
I encourage you to read the full trilogy. This book is the only one that I have read so far and it is a good standalone, but would have probably made more of an impact as a whole. The book was written in a good style and will keep you interested. I would recommend it more co for adults because they are more into this type of thing. Beauty in the words makes this a great book.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from The Story Plant.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from The Story Plant.
November 6, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Greatest Gift is the third book of a trilogy and my favorite of the three books–a beautiful ending to a wonderful series. Michael Sullivan is a great storyteller whose books are always entertaining. He presents us with characters who are flawed and lovable at the same time. We care about them. He provides great, believable dialogue and compelling action. I recommend not only this book but the entire series. I look forward to his next book.
December 19, 2014
This is the final story in the trilogy by Michael J Sullivan. I found it difficult to lay the book down as the dual plots draw you in and keep a rapid pace of action as the story unfolds. If you like time travel stories, you will love these books. I hesitate to say too much as I don't want to give away the story. I highly recommend this entire series including the short novella "An Angel Comes Home". Michael is an awesome writer and I cannot wait to read his next book!
August 8, 2017
Really enjoyed all three books in this series
January 14, 2015
The Greatest Gift is the final installment of the trilogy that started with Necessary Heartbreak, followed by Everybody’s Daughter.
In Everybody’s Daughter we were left hanging with Michael Stewart and his daughter Elizabeth still missing after being transported back to ancient Jerusalem when it was a dangerous world ruled by Roman soldiers and brutality. Elizabeth was murdered by a Roman soldier who owned Michael’s beloved Leah through fear and became obsessed with owning Elizabeth too. The only way to rescue Leah and Elizabeth had been to kill the soldier, but it was too late for Elizabeth. Michael and Elizabeth were miraculously reunited when she was brought back to life.
Michael and Elizabeth still had no idea how they could possibly get home to their own time.
Back home in the present time the desperate search is still on for Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished, and for her father Michael, who is the prime suspect in her disappearance. While his sister Connie and his friend Susan both refuse to believe Michael could have had anything to do with his daughter’s disappearance, the FBI has a very different opinion and are convinced his later disappearance only seals his guilt.
The Greatest Gift continues the story …
Still trapped in ancient Jerusalem, Elizabeth is pulled into greater danger just as Michael finally had her returned to him alive. His beloved Leah, who lives in that time, is rediscovered and lost to him all at once, having found someone else and married in his absence. But now Leah and Elizabeth are charged with the soldier’s murder and Michael must do everything he can to save them. Posing as a Roman soldier, he travels with them and finds himself helping an Apostle by writing part of his Gospel, an act that does not go entirely unnoticed back home in present day.
In the present, Connie and Susan are at odds with each other, disliking each other immensely as the tensions of Michael and Elizabeth’s disappearance drove a wedge between the two who could have been allies with their shared goal.
Special Agent Hewitt Paul is as determined as before to find Michael and charge him with his daughter’s disappearance. And now he believes Michael’s friend Pastor Dennis is somehow involved and possibly hiding Michael. For him everyone is a potential suspect in knowing something that might reveal Michael’s whereabouts.
Pastor Dennis is the only one who believes Michael’s claims before his disappearance that he had travelled to ancient Jerusalem and back.
Somehow Michael must rescue Leah and Elizabeth and return to the present with his daughter. Meanwhile Connie and Susan are pulled together against their will against a bigger foe, the FBI agent who wants to put Michael away. They must try to avoid Special Agent Hewitt Paul while also searching for Michael and Elizabeth, but Hewitt Paul is not so easily avoided.
The Greatest Gift brings us to the conclusion of a paranormal story of faith and sacrifice where the unbelievable is the only answer. Michael John Sullivan gives us an enjoyable mix of hope, desperation, and drama that all readers can enjoy.
The Greatest Gift is published by The Story Plant.
The Greatest Gift
In Everybody’s Daughter we were left hanging with Michael Stewart and his daughter Elizabeth still missing after being transported back to ancient Jerusalem when it was a dangerous world ruled by Roman soldiers and brutality. Elizabeth was murdered by a Roman soldier who owned Michael’s beloved Leah through fear and became obsessed with owning Elizabeth too. The only way to rescue Leah and Elizabeth had been to kill the soldier, but it was too late for Elizabeth. Michael and Elizabeth were miraculously reunited when she was brought back to life.
Michael and Elizabeth still had no idea how they could possibly get home to their own time.
Back home in the present time the desperate search is still on for Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished, and for her father Michael, who is the prime suspect in her disappearance. While his sister Connie and his friend Susan both refuse to believe Michael could have had anything to do with his daughter’s disappearance, the FBI has a very different opinion and are convinced his later disappearance only seals his guilt.
The Greatest Gift continues the story …
Still trapped in ancient Jerusalem, Elizabeth is pulled into greater danger just as Michael finally had her returned to him alive. His beloved Leah, who lives in that time, is rediscovered and lost to him all at once, having found someone else and married in his absence. But now Leah and Elizabeth are charged with the soldier’s murder and Michael must do everything he can to save them. Posing as a Roman soldier, he travels with them and finds himself helping an Apostle by writing part of his Gospel, an act that does not go entirely unnoticed back home in present day.
In the present, Connie and Susan are at odds with each other, disliking each other immensely as the tensions of Michael and Elizabeth’s disappearance drove a wedge between the two who could have been allies with their shared goal.
Special Agent Hewitt Paul is as determined as before to find Michael and charge him with his daughter’s disappearance. And now he believes Michael’s friend Pastor Dennis is somehow involved and possibly hiding Michael. For him everyone is a potential suspect in knowing something that might reveal Michael’s whereabouts.
Pastor Dennis is the only one who believes Michael’s claims before his disappearance that he had travelled to ancient Jerusalem and back.
Somehow Michael must rescue Leah and Elizabeth and return to the present with his daughter. Meanwhile Connie and Susan are pulled together against their will against a bigger foe, the FBI agent who wants to put Michael away. They must try to avoid Special Agent Hewitt Paul while also searching for Michael and Elizabeth, but Hewitt Paul is not so easily avoided.
The Greatest Gift brings us to the conclusion of a paranormal story of faith and sacrifice where the unbelievable is the only answer. Michael John Sullivan gives us an enjoyable mix of hope, desperation, and drama that all readers can enjoy.
The Greatest Gift is published by The Story Plant.
The Greatest Gift
December 1, 2014
A satisfying ending to the trilogy that started with a widowed father (Michael) and his teenage daughter (Elizabeth), time traveling to first-century Jerusalem. With each installment in their journey (Necessary Heartbreak, Everybody's Daughter, The Greatest Gift) the reader is given more insight into Michael and Elizabeth's internal conflicts, their dreams, hopes, and the demons they both have to face.
Their character arcs grow at a good pace with each book, as each story unfolds, the layers of their past are peeled back, as well as their relationship with not only themselves, with each other, with other members of the family, and with their faith.
Each book brings its own form of heartbreak and also happiness, and the second book leaves the reader holding their breath as a tragedy once again pummels this family.
In the final book of this trilogy, THE GREATEST GIFT, not only is everything resolved at a good pace, but the characters grow, learn to accept what they cannot change, and change their attitudes about letting go of past hurts and work on moving forward. It takes a lot of work, but they do it in a realistic manner.
As with the other two books, the GREATEST GIFT is set in both contemporary and historical times, and the transitions are smooth enough so the reader is able to visualize both time periods.
We are treated to sub-plots with Michael's sister and other characters, that add a richness, humor and a well layered plot in THE GREATEST GIFT.
The ending is not predictable and I think the readers will be pleased on how the series has wrapped up.
Dive into this trilogy and not only enjoy the relationship of a widowed father who had to change his whole life to raise his daughter, but, immerse yourself into a historical time period that has and always will leave you wondering....what if you met Jesus, and other historical figures from that time period. What would you say to them? How would you feel?
Lots of plot points in all the books that makes one think, at the same time is entertained.
Their character arcs grow at a good pace with each book, as each story unfolds, the layers of their past are peeled back, as well as their relationship with not only themselves, with each other, with other members of the family, and with their faith.
Each book brings its own form of heartbreak and also happiness, and the second book leaves the reader holding their breath as a tragedy once again pummels this family.
In the final book of this trilogy, THE GREATEST GIFT, not only is everything resolved at a good pace, but the characters grow, learn to accept what they cannot change, and change their attitudes about letting go of past hurts and work on moving forward. It takes a lot of work, but they do it in a realistic manner.
As with the other two books, the GREATEST GIFT is set in both contemporary and historical times, and the transitions are smooth enough so the reader is able to visualize both time periods.
We are treated to sub-plots with Michael's sister and other characters, that add a richness, humor and a well layered plot in THE GREATEST GIFT.
The ending is not predictable and I think the readers will be pleased on how the series has wrapped up.
Dive into this trilogy and not only enjoy the relationship of a widowed father who had to change his whole life to raise his daughter, but, immerse yourself into a historical time period that has and always will leave you wondering....what if you met Jesus, and other historical figures from that time period. What would you say to them? How would you feel?
Lots of plot points in all the books that makes one think, at the same time is entertained.
July 1, 2017
This is an interesting story that includes 'time travel'. The chapters alternate between modern-day Long Island, NY and First Century Jerusalem. This is the 3rd book in a trilogy; honestly, I think I would've understood the beginning more if I had read the prior books. It was a bit confusing for me because the book started off where it had left off in the prequal. I got the gist of what happened previously and enjoyed the story otherwise. The ending was really good. I'd recommend, but would say to read the whole trilogy in order to appreciate the story as a whole.
November 5, 2015
Wonderful!
Book three did not disappoint.... great story continues and keeps you glued to the book..I was sad when I finished!! Not because of the ending, just that I had to leave the characters behind!!
Book three did not disappoint.... great story continues and keeps you glued to the book..I was sad when I finished!! Not because of the ending, just that I had to leave the characters behind!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews