Israel: Beauty, Light, And Luxury By Tara-Leigh Cobble

Israel: Beauty, Light, and Luxury

by Tara-Leigh Cobble

Photography by Richard Van De Water

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764240348

As a person who thoroughly enjoys The Bible Recap, my interest was piqued when I saw this new book Israel: Beauty, Light, and Luxury. I received this book for review thanks for Bethany House.

Summary:

Come discover the land of Jesus. It will transform the way you read your Bible.

Israel abounds with beauty. It is vibrant and thriving, stacked with delicacies and flooded with light. The desert is blooming and people are flourishing--just as Scripture promised. To the surprise of many, Israel is far more than deserts and ruins.

Pairing 31 rich devotionals with 350 gorgeous photos of Israel today, Tara-Leigh Cobble, creator of The Bible Recap, takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. Since 2014, she has led boutique teaching tours of the country, learning its landscapes and stories. Glimpse Israel's features, flora, and people, all while making deeper connections with its biblical stories and truth.

My Review:

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!

About the Author:

Tara-Leigh Cobble's (www.taraleighcobble.com) is the creator and host of the daily The Bible Recap podcast, which has garnered more than 230 million downloads. She is also the founder of D-Group, an international network of more than 300 discipleship and Bible study groups that meet each week, and the host of a daily radio feature called The God Shot. Tara-Leigh lives in Dallas, Texas.

A Path To Acceptance By Lisa M. James + GIVE AWAY

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received the book as part of the tour!

About the Book

Title: A Path to Acceptance
Series: The Prodigal Woman Series
Author: Lisa M. James
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Genre: Christian Romance / Fantasy

Wanton. Tainted. Immoral. These were all words that could describe Penelope. After being forced into a world of harlotry to cover her parents' debts, Penny learned how to survive without feeling. When a mysterious man approaches Penny with an offer to free her from her situation, Penny soon discovers that leaving her tavern could not rid her of the reputation she gained as a harlot. Would anyone be able to see beyond her tainted past?

Abandoned by his father as a child, Ryland refuses to depend on anyone but himself. Surviving as a mercenary for wealthy landowners, he accepts an assignment to free a harlot from a life of slavery. Frustrated when he is forced to take her under his care, Ryland discovers there is more to this harlot than her beauty. Can her unshakeable faith bring him back to a Redeemer he has long since rejected?  

Discover the story of a tainted woman in A Path to Acceptance.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in this Series

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Book Excerpt:

“But you do call upon the Redeemer!” I countered. “I thought I was respecting your

beliefs, but I don’t think you even know what you believe! You feel the Redeemer can redeem

everyone but you!” The words came out of my mouth suddenly, surprising her and myself. “How

is someone like me, who has wandered so far, supposed to believe in the Redeemer, when you,

who loves him so thoroughly, refuses to believe that she can be fully redeemed and fully

accepted? He has extracted you from that life of harlotry and your heart refuses to accept it,

Penny! You refuse to be healed! Even now you think you have nothing to offer but your body!”

Her face contorted in grief and I regretted the harshness in my tone. “Let this go,

Ryland,” she said firmly. “I beg you. I am not your concern.”

She turned and left, heading in the opposite direction than the tents we came through. I

cursed myself for aggravating her. I cursed myself more for wanting to chase after her, hold her

against me, and beg her forgiveness.

About the Author

Lisa M. James is a Romantic Fantasy and Christian Fantasy author. Her  novels have made the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous categories, including: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. She is committed to creating fantastical worlds with clean romances and diverse female leads. When not writing, Lisa can most often be found watching Disney movies or enjoying homemade chai. 

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisamjames.com to follow her on social media and sign up for newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of A Path to Acceptance & a Vera Bradley Crossbody bag (plum pansies print)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 22, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 29, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Buzz Blitz + Giveaway

Welcome to the Buzz Blitz celebrating 5 years of buzzing about books with JustRead Publicity Tours!

In the fall of 2019 I somehow ran across JustRead Publicity Tours. I know it was on Instagram, and I had to find out more about what they were doing! I'm sure they were touring a book I was already interested in and that's what piqued my interest.

Now, I'll be honest. When I signed up to be a host I had no idea what I was doing. In fact, I asked Beth SO many questions I thought they were going to stop choosing me to be on any tours. HA! Beth was incredibly kind and answered every, single question I had.

I started signing up for all of the tours that I was interested in and I was HOOKED! I did the bookstagram tours, social tours, blog tours, and review tours. I loved doing them all! There were lots of books that I wasn't interested in, but there were lots of other hosts who were interested in them. Just like anything, not every book or type of tour is for everyone.

Well, let me tell you how being a host turned into a JOB!!! In 2021 I had reached out to Carrie to inquire about any available positions. Sadly, they didn't have any. I stayed with my other job and then in 2022 we both decided it was time to split ways. Want to see God in action? The VERY last day of my other job, I received an email from Beth asking me to apply to an open position that had become available since Rachel was leaving. Seriously, I was shocked!! I went through the whole interview process and started with JustRead in January of this year.

I'll admit, it was very daunting at first. There was WAY more to learn that I could've imagined. I made numerous mistakes and figure I'll make more along the way. Beth and Carrie have been amazingly gracious as well as all of the hosts who have joined the tours since I started.

I am blessed indeed! Here's why you should join us!!

5 book bee perks

Blog tours, bookstagram tours, reviewer tours, etc. are different varieties of book campaigns. Readers who participate in JustRead campaigns are called hosts or book bees.

Various hosting options 

Readers buzz about books in a variety of ways through blog posts (spotlights, reviews, interviews, guest posts), social media posts (bookstagram, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and posted reviews (Goodreads, Bookbub, and retail sites). 

Reader community 

Although reading is usually a solitary pursuit, enjoy a richer experience with community! Get to know fellow readers through comments, posts, and book recommendations. 

Author interaction 

Want to personally thank authors for writing books that you love to read? Authors often visit campaign posts to say hello, express gratitude, and answer questions. 

Exclusive giveaways 

Book bees are eligible for exclusive giveaways through the host newsletter and the monthly host giveaway in addition to tour-wide and occasional host exclusive campaign giveaways. 

Access to sweet titles 

Last but not least, the honey of the book bee life is sweet reads! JustRead promotes titles within Christian, wholesome, or clean reads genres with content notes tailored to conservative values when sensitive issues are present.

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About JustRead 

JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC provides readers with a steady stream of promotional and reading selections from Christian, wholesome, and clean reads genres plus exclusive participant giveaway opportunities! By equipping readers with tools and support to create positive, impactful bookish content, JustRead advocates spreading the word (aka buzzing) about books that inspire and are written from a Christian perspective.

Connect with JustRead by following on social media @justreadtours, visiting justreadtours.com, or subscribing to host or blog post email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card (winner's choice of Amazon, Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Walmart)!
(5) additional winners will receive one print book from the JustRead stash and a JustRead bookmark!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 15, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

  

The Shifting Current By Dani Pettrey

The Shifting Current

by Dani Pettrey

Publisher: Gracie & Johnny Inc

Series: Coastal Guardian

ISBN: 979-8218021306

Having been a huge fan of the Coastal Guardians series, when Dani asked if I'd read her novella to go along with the story, I couldn't resist! She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

My Review:

Small, but mighty! That's how I'd describe this novella. I think when we all finished the first three full length novels in the series we were wondering what happened with Logan and Emmy. You could cut their tension with a knife in the other stories, so I'm glad the author realized they needed their own!

And wowza did they get it! Logan has to deal with the tragedy of his grandfather being murdered, and Em goes along to help investigate who might have done it. They're leaving the East Coast and heading to New Mexico to find out what happened. Really, this story just doesn't let up. Whether it's the intensity of the killer, the investigation, or their relationship, it's non-stop nail biter from start to finish.

I enjoyed watching Logan and Em work together on the case. They make a great pair on the job and off. There was definitely a good amount of sizzle. I really appreciated that they both shared that their faith was of utmost importance and that they wanted to do everything to keep God first. I loved that Emmy mentions that she'd initially had concerns that Logan didn't share her faith. It's so great when authors know how to share a message with it being a natural part of a story while not seeming like it's being forced.

There was literally no way of knowing why he was killed, although we know who did it. Once the pieces of the puzzle start to fit together it all makes sense! Well done on keeping us in the dark.

While I'm not a fast reader, I read the book in a day! It's one of those stories you don't want to put down, and when you do, you wonder what you're missing.

About the Author:

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly 800,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. 

Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.

In This Moment By Gabrielle Meyer

In This Moment

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 9780764239755

I was such a huge of When the Day Comes by Gabrielle, when I found out book two was coming out, I absolutely HAD to be on the launch team for In This Moment! Be sure to check out my review for the first book in the series. She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever. 

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

My Review:

If you were blown away by book one, sit down and buckle up because you're in for a ride! I think every reader of In This Moment is going to try and figure out what's going to happen. It's an exercise in futility. hahaha I started writing my theories on sticky notes because it was constantly changing with all of the clues the author gives!

We meet Margaret, Maggie, and Meg: one person, three different timelines. Those timelines contain so much history! The research that the author did must have been fascinating! I thoroughly loved Maggie in every timeline. There was one I was initially more fond of, then my allegiance switched at a certain point to another timeline. Annnnd there was one I wasn't so fond of. I'll just leave it at that. You won't get a peep out of me which ones they were. HA!

It's so hard to give a review about this story because there's so much that can be given away. We can't talk about the men (yes, plural) in each of her times. I liked one, then REALLY liked one, and one I never really warmed up to.

Maggie is a healer at heart. So, in every time period she lives as a health care provider in some capacity. This thread certainly plays a part in how she works on deciding which time she wants to live in forever. I love that those who know about her "gift" speak goodness to her so that she chooses the time that's not only best for her, but God's best for her.

The author makes a compelling reason in each of her times that will make the reader want to stay in a specific one. Whether it's her wonderful family, friends, or one of the men, it was truly impossible to know what she was going to choose. The sweetness of some of the moments with her family had me reaching for a tissue.

Seriously, there's just so much I want share and discuss, but mum's the word! Just know that you probably won't be able to guess the ending until you are either almost there or are there. Your heart will be pulled in numerous directions and you'll love almost every minute of it! Be prepared for some serious shockers, too! I have to say, in the end, I was completely and utterly satisfied.

How the author's going to do it again is beyond me, but I'm 100% ready for whatever she brings us!

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer (www.gabriellemeyer.com) has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

The Duke and the Lady Gardener By Alissa Baxter + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Duke and the Lady Gardener by Alissa Baxter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Duke and the Lady Gardener
Series: The Grantham Girls #1
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: ‎ Dragonblade Publishing
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Genre: Regency/Historical Romance (sweet, wholesome)

Love blossoms for a Lady Gardener when she robs a Duke. . . and then steals his heart.

Alexandra Grantham becomes Lady Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to provide for the local farm workers in the district. However, when her new neighbor, Mr. Robert Chanderly, unmasks her, Alexandra cannot hide her horror as he has it within his power to ruin her reputation. But, instead of blighting her social chances when they arrive in London, Robert decides to bring Alexandra into high fashion, and she effectively takes the ton by storm.  

 

Enemies abound in the Capital, however, causing trouble for Alexandra at every turn. So when an adversary threatens to reveal Alexandra’s dangerous secret, Robert must do everything within his power to defend the honor of the woman he loves—or lose the only lady he’s ever wished to make his wife.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Book Excerpt:

Alexandra straightened her spine as her coachman directed the horses

onto the main road. Soon they would be home, and she could put this

unfortunate incident behind her. However, as they came around the bend,

her eyes widened in horror as the coach she had just waylaid came into view.

“Slow down, Ben! The horses! He may recognize them.”

Her coachman glanced back at her. “Nay, miss, he won’t. They’re in

their traces, and I disguised their markings for the attack. Besides, he’d never

suspect a lady of being a highwayman, so he oughtn’t to look at your horses

with a leery eye.”

“Of course you’re right. Yet the impression I received of him was that he

is an uncommonly perceptive gentleman. I hoped he would have been well

on his way by now.” She chewed her bottom lip. “We must stay as far back as

possible until we turn off to Grantham Place.” Even as Ben drew on the

reins, the carriage in front of them came to a halt, blocking their way on the

narrow road.

As Ben halted as well, a groom jumped down from his perch to open the

coach door and let down the step. Alexandra held her breath as the dark

gentleman emerged. He stood immobile in the road for a while before

bowing politely in her direction. Alexandra inclined her head in response. He

was very tall, well over six feet, and his shoulders were uncommonly broad,

filling out his well-cut jacket impressively. Her wary gaze came to rest on the

strong line of his jaw and the uncompromising set of his mouth and chin.

All in all, it was a thoroughly disagreeable face.

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive(previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair).

Many years later, Alissa returned to her favorite era. She writes Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways… at least eventually. Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Alissa by visiting alissabaxter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 2, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 9, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US Amazon accounts only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!