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Israel: Beauty, Light, and Luxury
Just as Scripture promised, Israel abounds with lush beauty. Pairing rich devotionals with gorgeous photography of Israel today, this book takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. Transform the way you read your Bible as you discover Israel's features, flora, and people--and their deep connections to biblical stories and truth.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2023
7 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 13, 2023
It gives me no pleasure at all to only give this three stars, being such a fan of Tara-Leigh Cobble, but that’s fairly how I feel about this book.
Don’t get me wrong, it is completely GORGEOUS. High quality photos, thick quality paper, beautifully bound.
I was hoping for more photos of modern day Israel that would shed light on the biblical texts—food, history, agriculture. Nothing at all wrong with a coffee table book full of luxury hotels, shopping, cabanas, etc.; in fact, I own and enjoy many such volumes. But knowing the audience, I’m not sure this will be the right fit for many of The Bible Recap podcast listeners.
These “devotionals” can barely be called that in the thinnest sense of the word—they’re milk not meat, and thin skim milk at that. In fact, most are 2-3 paragraphs on a page and I would not even register them as such had it not said so in the publishers description. Most of the photos, while astoundingly beautiful images of modern day Israel, don’t add much to my understanding of scripture.
This would perhaps make a wonderful gift for someone returning from or hoping to go to Israel. Buy this for your home, to be sure. Don’t come here for biblical truths or substance.
Don’t get me wrong, it is completely GORGEOUS. High quality photos, thick quality paper, beautifully bound.
I was hoping for more photos of modern day Israel that would shed light on the biblical texts—food, history, agriculture. Nothing at all wrong with a coffee table book full of luxury hotels, shopping, cabanas, etc.; in fact, I own and enjoy many such volumes. But knowing the audience, I’m not sure this will be the right fit for many of The Bible Recap podcast listeners.
These “devotionals” can barely be called that in the thinnest sense of the word—they’re milk not meat, and thin skim milk at that. In fact, most are 2-3 paragraphs on a page and I would not even register them as such had it not said so in the publishers description. Most of the photos, while astoundingly beautiful images of modern day Israel, don’t add much to my understanding of scripture.
This would perhaps make a wonderful gift for someone returning from or hoping to go to Israel. Buy this for your home, to be sure. Don’t come here for biblical truths or substance.
December 25, 2024
This was so beautiful and I can’t wait to go one day
May 29, 2023
Israel is a beautiful book enclosed with high quality photography. There are tons of photos showcasing the beach, ocean, the River Jordan, the Garden Tomb, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, just to name a few. The book also showed different food served and some of it was desert. They all looked so tasty! She included a 31-day devotional throughout the book. These include a short story about Israel and historical facts and a verse.
The book shared about Beit Sahour/ Bethlehem. She explained how many of the homes were built on top of caves in Biblical times and they had a cave basement. In the winter months, they would light a fire in the doorway to keep the animals warm. She revealed how Jesus was likely born in the summer months and not in December. It estimated to have occurred between June and September. It would have also allowed cave basement, Kataluma open for visitors staying over. She also explained how Jesus was born in a stone manger. Most of us picture the manger always been made of wood.
The book also looked at the Mount of Olives and how critical it was in the reign of Jesus. It is the hill where Jesus’ rode down the fill on Palm Sunday. It contained the Garden of Gethsemane where he prayed before he was killed. Zechariah has stated that Jesus will return to that same mountain and Jesus will cause it to split in two. He will also enter the city through the Eastern Gate which is now blocked off by cement. Jews were instructed to never walk through a cemetery because it would cause them to become unclean. She clarified to readers who nothing is going to stop Christ and He will move the hill when it is time to do so.
I would recommend this astonishing book to anyone who is curious about Israel and they are wanting to observe pictures from the Holy Land. They were all incredible and gorgeous. I loved looking at the blue and green colors of the ocean and sea. The beach ones really wanted me to leap inside the pages and enjoy the fresh air. I was shocked to see how little the sea of Galilee and how you can see the entire sea all at once. It would be eye opening to imagine and to see firsthand where the disciples lived and stayed. It was also interesting to learn about the hometown of Mary Magdalene and how they uncovered the Magdala Stone. I enjoyed reading the devotional that was spread throughout the book. I wouldn’t really consider this one just a sole devotional style book. It would make a great coffee table book or placed somewhere visitors can enjoy looking at. It would be a great gift for office places if they get lots of clients.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
The book shared about Beit Sahour/ Bethlehem. She explained how many of the homes were built on top of caves in Biblical times and they had a cave basement. In the winter months, they would light a fire in the doorway to keep the animals warm. She revealed how Jesus was likely born in the summer months and not in December. It estimated to have occurred between June and September. It would have also allowed cave basement, Kataluma open for visitors staying over. She also explained how Jesus was born in a stone manger. Most of us picture the manger always been made of wood.
The book also looked at the Mount of Olives and how critical it was in the reign of Jesus. It is the hill where Jesus’ rode down the fill on Palm Sunday. It contained the Garden of Gethsemane where he prayed before he was killed. Zechariah has stated that Jesus will return to that same mountain and Jesus will cause it to split in two. He will also enter the city through the Eastern Gate which is now blocked off by cement. Jews were instructed to never walk through a cemetery because it would cause them to become unclean. She clarified to readers who nothing is going to stop Christ and He will move the hill when it is time to do so.
I would recommend this astonishing book to anyone who is curious about Israel and they are wanting to observe pictures from the Holy Land. They were all incredible and gorgeous. I loved looking at the blue and green colors of the ocean and sea. The beach ones really wanted me to leap inside the pages and enjoy the fresh air. I was shocked to see how little the sea of Galilee and how you can see the entire sea all at once. It would be eye opening to imagine and to see firsthand where the disciples lived and stayed. It was also interesting to learn about the hometown of Mary Magdalene and how they uncovered the Magdala Stone. I enjoyed reading the devotional that was spread throughout the book. I wouldn’t really consider this one just a sole devotional style book. It would make a great coffee table book or placed somewhere visitors can enjoy looking at. It would be a great gift for office places if they get lots of clients.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
May 30, 2023
A beautiful full-colored photo book of Israel. The photos are stunning of different areas throughout Israel. There are thirty-one locations throughout Israel: Joppa, Caesarea Maritima, Mount Carmel, Tel Dan, Ein Gedi, Masada, Mount Olives, Garden Tomb, and many other known locations throughout the Bible.
Each location starts out with a scripture verse about the location and a bit of history on it.
I have been to Israel before and it’s a stunning place to be and has a unique beauty like nowhere else in the world. My husband and son have been there a few times. My son just got back from Israel two weeks ago on a self-made tour and not with a traditional tour group.
I love the stunning pictures in this book and even several aerial photos of the country. There are a lot of photos of hotels and resorts' lounging areas inside and outside. A lot of places to sit with stunning views in the hotels. The Dead Sea all the hotels are stunning with a lot of sitting areas to get out of the heat. There were also food photos which I thought were good.
I would have loved to see more of the architecture in Israel and the ruins of the different places. I know all the ruins look kind of the same but there are several places that are unique. I love the doors and gates in Israel They are unique and stunning. The culture there is rich with the different outdoor markets. The people like more of the Bedouins and other cultures. The nine of the falls of Ein Gedi along with the caves. In most tour groups you see only two of the falls and maybe three. I was hoping to see more synagogues and mosaics that you find in several places that are amazingly preserved. Jesus would have been in those places too. Fishermen on the Sea of Gallie, Hebron, Safed, and even the miniature of the city of Jerusalem. I would have rather seen fewer hotel and sitting areas.
There is an index in the back of the book with locations. I would have loved to see location information on each page.
Did I like the book, yes. It’s absolutely stunning. I just wanted to see more of Israel and the landscape and culture. I love Israel and felt it represents so much more than the photos here. It's truly in the eye of the beholder as there is much to see in Israel and what I want to see is slightly different than what the author shows. There is much more to Israel than all the ruins and I get that the author wanted others to see more than that. Israel is a modern-day miracle with the land being rich in culture, produce, and flora. It's amazing what the country has done since 1967. Israel is truly blessed by God.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Each location starts out with a scripture verse about the location and a bit of history on it.
I have been to Israel before and it’s a stunning place to be and has a unique beauty like nowhere else in the world. My husband and son have been there a few times. My son just got back from Israel two weeks ago on a self-made tour and not with a traditional tour group.
I love the stunning pictures in this book and even several aerial photos of the country. There are a lot of photos of hotels and resorts' lounging areas inside and outside. A lot of places to sit with stunning views in the hotels. The Dead Sea all the hotels are stunning with a lot of sitting areas to get out of the heat. There were also food photos which I thought were good.
I would have loved to see more of the architecture in Israel and the ruins of the different places. I know all the ruins look kind of the same but there are several places that are unique. I love the doors and gates in Israel They are unique and stunning. The culture there is rich with the different outdoor markets. The people like more of the Bedouins and other cultures. The nine of the falls of Ein Gedi along with the caves. In most tour groups you see only two of the falls and maybe three. I was hoping to see more synagogues and mosaics that you find in several places that are amazingly preserved. Jesus would have been in those places too. Fishermen on the Sea of Gallie, Hebron, Safed, and even the miniature of the city of Jerusalem. I would have rather seen fewer hotel and sitting areas.
There is an index in the back of the book with locations. I would have loved to see location information on each page.
Did I like the book, yes. It’s absolutely stunning. I just wanted to see more of Israel and the landscape and culture. I love Israel and felt it represents so much more than the photos here. It's truly in the eye of the beholder as there is much to see in Israel and what I want to see is slightly different than what the author shows. There is much more to Israel than all the ruins and I get that the author wanted others to see more than that. Israel is a modern-day miracle with the land being rich in culture, produce, and flora. It's amazing what the country has done since 1967. Israel is truly blessed by God.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 28, 2023
If I asked you what you think Israel looks like, what immediately comes to mind? For me, I think of a lot of brown desert, tan colored homes, and lots of old sites from Biblical times. While I think a lot of that is true, Tara-Leigh gives us a vibrant, stunning tour around the country!
When the book arrived, I was so surprised at how large it is! I didn't realize it's a coffee table book! Here's to actually wishing I had a coffee table. For now it'll be a side table book.
The photographer did an incredible job of bringing the country to life through his shots. I can imagine that they poured over thousands of photos he'd taken to get all of the "right" ones for this book. I have looked through the book several times since it arrived and find something new and beautiful each time. The details the photographer captured are gorgeous.
I think some of my favorite photos throughout the book include water or flowers, BUT for some reason, there's a photo of a man who is rolling a cigarette and I just want to squish his face because he's absolutely adorable. Get the book, you'll see what I mean!
The books starts in Joppa and uses Acts 10: 1-23 as a reference. Tara-Leigh gives an explanation of what life was like there and then explains the photo(s). As you move through the book (and the Bible) she also has various Scripture. For example, about a fourth of the way through the book there's a spread of some incredible looking food and she shares Deuteronomy 8:9. The book ends with the Garden Tomb. She and Richard really bring to life the various locations of Biblical reference.
At the end of the book there's a Photo Index, which I was so appreciative of. They didn't clutter all of the pages with text. We get to soak in the beauty of each photo. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this book and it makes me want to go to Israel even more now that I've seen what I'm missing!
*I received the book for review. This is my opinion.
When the book arrived, I was so surprised at how large it is! I didn't realize it's a coffee table book! Here's to actually wishing I had a coffee table. For now it'll be a side table book.
The photographer did an incredible job of bringing the country to life through his shots. I can imagine that they poured over thousands of photos he'd taken to get all of the "right" ones for this book. I have looked through the book several times since it arrived and find something new and beautiful each time. The details the photographer captured are gorgeous.
I think some of my favorite photos throughout the book include water or flowers, BUT for some reason, there's a photo of a man who is rolling a cigarette and I just want to squish his face because he's absolutely adorable. Get the book, you'll see what I mean!
The books starts in Joppa and uses Acts 10: 1-23 as a reference. Tara-Leigh gives an explanation of what life was like there and then explains the photo(s). As you move through the book (and the Bible) she also has various Scripture. For example, about a fourth of the way through the book there's a spread of some incredible looking food and she shares Deuteronomy 8:9. The book ends with the Garden Tomb. She and Richard really bring to life the various locations of Biblical reference.
At the end of the book there's a Photo Index, which I was so appreciative of. They didn't clutter all of the pages with text. We get to soak in the beauty of each photo. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this book and it makes me want to go to Israel even more now that I've seen what I'm missing!
*I received the book for review. This is my opinion.
May 9, 2023
Tara-Leigh Cobble has been leading tours to Israel since 2014. In this gorgeous coffee-table devotional book, Israel, Cobble pairs short readings with rich, beautiful modern-day pictures of this Biblically historical country taken by Richard Van De Water.
Israel is not your typical devotional book. First of all, it is a large coffee-table sized book measuring at about 12 by 9.25 inches and weighs over eight pounds. The readings are from the Bible and are about various areas of Israel. They are all paired with rich, glorious pictures. This is a great book for just relaxing and meditating on the beauty of the country along with the readings. Israel is a wonderful book for visual learners. This book would make a beautiful gift for those who enjoy Biblical history and travel as well as those who like beautiful pictures.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Israel is not your typical devotional book. First of all, it is a large coffee-table sized book measuring at about 12 by 9.25 inches and weighs over eight pounds. The readings are from the Bible and are about various areas of Israel. They are all paired with rich, glorious pictures. This is a great book for just relaxing and meditating on the beauty of the country along with the readings. Israel is a wonderful book for visual learners. This book would make a beautiful gift for those who enjoy Biblical history and travel as well as those who like beautiful pictures.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
May 7, 2023
This is such an amazingly beautiful book! I had no idea Israel held so many vibrant colors! My daughters (9, 8, and 6) now want to live in Israel after spending countless hours perusing the pages. The only one in my family who doesn’t care for this book is my husband (who bought it for me) because now he feels like he has to figure out a way for our whole family to visit Israel someday. 🤣 I can count a picture book towards my challenge, right? Especially since all those little minutes I spend revisiting it add up to the amount of time I would’ve spent reading a novel? 😜 Seriously, this book is so lovely! So well put together! And will definitely feed any wanderlust you have! Maybe I will walk the roads that Jesus did one of these days…but until then, I’ll find much delight in looking through these photos!
May 29, 2023
Israel, Beauty, Light and Luxury by Tara-Leigh Cobble is an absolutely stunning, coffee table style book of Israel. This book features beautiful photographs, as well as commentary. There is scripture with each destination. Destinations include the Joppa, Galilee Shoreline, Mount Beatitudes, homes in the desert, Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as many other significant places. The photographs are absolutely stunning. Not only is this a picture book but it’s also a devotional. Perfect if you visited Israel, hope to one day, or you are just curious about Israel. Book is large, but contains such beauty. Also features a photo index. Tara-Leigh has led many tours of Israel over the years so this is just a small fraction of her experiences. I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do. This book is a beautiful delight.
December 17, 2024
This is a beautiful book, and I really enjoyed seeing photos of some of the places we stayed or visited. It does lean a little to the "Luxury" side with lots and lots of pictures in or of hotels. They try to organize the book thematically around different geographical areas (e.g. Capernaum), with a mini-devotional introducing a new area with pictures of that area. This is followed by several pages of pictures from random areas or hotels around Israel before the next area is introduced. It is hard to follow because a) the pictures in one section aren't necessarily related to the area and b) the pictures aren't captioned - you have to turn to the picture index in the back to figure out what you are looking at.
That's all kind of nitpicking. The pictures are spectacular and it is a beautiful book.
That's all kind of nitpicking. The pictures are spectacular and it is a beautiful book.
May 22, 2023
This is a beautiful, hardcover book that will take you on a journey through modern Israel with stunning photographs and beautiful devotions provided by Tara-Leigh Cobble.
I would recommend this book to those who would like a nice addition to their coffee table or bookshelves.
Note: I received a complementary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I would recommend this book to those who would like a nice addition to their coffee table or bookshelves.
Note: I received a complementary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
April 29, 2023
Stunning!
June 8, 2023
Beautiful photos, luxurious paper, thoughtful writing… I can’t wait to visit Israel in person!
June 18, 2023
Beautiful book- so happy to have it in my home!
April 18, 2024
The words & the photography. Wow. Absolutely beautiful. I am so sad that my trip in January was officially cancelled a few days ago…
July 5, 2024
Absolutely beautiful book! I was so mistaken about the beauty of Israel. A truly blessed land!
December 8, 2024
An absolutely beautiful book with captivating pictures. I imagine many would call this a coffee table book but I consider it a treasure and, God willing, perhaps I will visit Israel someday.
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December 27, 2024great photos
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews