I’ve absolutely loved looking through Believe in Him. This beautiful book shares an inside look into the creation, symbolism, & meaning of the gorgeous nine panel stained glass window celebrating the life of Jesus Christ, created by the Holdman Studios.

In 2019, Holdman Studios crafted a 20 x 7 foot five panel stained glass window to be permanently displayed in Rome. Worrying few people would get to see this visually stunning depiction of the Savior’s life, they created a nine panel stained glass window capable of being transported from place to place. It was featured in Paris in 2023 & London in 2024.

Believe in Him shares the artistic, painstaking process of bringing this beautiful artwork to life. It also explains the deep symbolism & meaning of the fine details in each window, like the inclusion of an actual widow’s mite, or gemstones representing the Twelve Tribes. Each panel tells the story of the Savior’s life from His birth to His Resurrection. It also features many of the people who were touched by Him. The Holdman’s were inspired by John 3:16 & centered their creation around this scripture.

Highly recommend reading the foreword by Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal. The touching story of Tom Holdman made my appreciation for this magnificent work of art grow even more. I was also inspired by the words of his wife Gayle who said “it is the light that He gives-both physically and spiritually-that makes the work truly beautiful.”

This is definitely a book I’ll enjoy reading & pondering over again & again. It would make a fabulous Easter gift to Christians of any denomination. I hope someday the beautiful stained glass window will come to a location near me so I can see it in person. For now, this book is the next best thing. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

Almost everyone has failed me, the people I have supported for years seem to have forgotten me when my time of need came. The only thing that sustains me and keeps me from deep despair is my faith. I have nothing else.

I DO NOT NEED ANYTHING ELSE.

A nine-panel stained glass window narrates the Greatest Story Ever Told. The Mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Love, His Light, His Hope. In vivid, flowing language, we walk in His Footsteps, following His Way to Sacrifice and Salvation. The research is astonishing as is the way in which the writers have combined the Old and New Testament composes an ode to the greatness of Christianity.

Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful, visual guide depicting the life and mission of Jesus Christ as told through stained glass. The piece itself if exquisite and poignant! I am quite sure the pictures don’t do it justice, but the pictures provided are a great sampling of this stunning piece. There are nine panels that together create the sprawling image. I was fascinated with how the artist drafted this and brought it to life, step by step. Each part of each panel is explained from a Biblical perspective, and how it contributes to the life and mission of Christ. This is a beautiful guide if you are just wanting to learn more about this piece or if you a want to use it a meditative, reflective tool.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

"Believe in Him" depicts beautiful nine panels of stained glass art featuring scenes from Christ's life. In this book, the scenes depicted in glass are described along with biblical stories and images. One of the panels beautifully illustrates the moment Jesus calms the storm, capturing the disciples' awe and relief as the turbulent sea becomes still. The vibrant colors of the glass showcase the swirling waves and the serene expression on Jesus' face, embodying the miracle with stunning clarity. The stained glass not only serves as a visual representation of biblical events but also symbolizes the spiritual light and hope that faith brings into believers' lives. The interplay of light through the colorful glass represents divine illumination, suggesting how the teachings of Christ can guide and transform individuals. Each panel stands as a testament to the enduring power of these stories, inviting viewers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.

Isn't this book just gorgeous? I loved reading more about how this beautiful stained glass panel came to be and then to be replicated and expanded to be used as a traveling exhibit. I would LOVE to see it in person some day. But for now I loved being able to read about how it came to be, the intricacies of creating these specific panels and the glass and putting it all together. It's incredible.

Then there is all of the symbolism throughout the images. So many incredible stories of Christ and those He healed and His parables and so much more. The book takes each panel and goes through the many symbols and explains about them and where they are found in scripture.

Fabulous book that would be great to go through with your families, friends, or by yourself. Beautiful coffee table book that will be a great conversation starter or a peaceful time of reflection.

I received a digital copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. But I would love to have a full size copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Such beautiful artwork. I appreciate the history and symbols depicted. It was nice how the book connected the art of the pictures with the history and symbols of the time. The book did a good job with the numbered indexes of each section so you could easily match the picture with the description. The stained glass artwork is a true treasure but understanding the symbols and making connections to the teachings of Jesus brought the artwork to a whole new level.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

I think everyone who believes in Christ would love this book with all of the stained glass panels, explanation of the history, and symbols. It's fascinating and beautiful!

This is a wonderful book to give as a gift or to keep for your own collection.

Enjoy!

A beautiful book detailing a five panel, twenty foot long stained glass window depicting the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The book begins with the artists, Tom and Gayle Holdman showing how they designed and created the panel. The original panel is at the LDS Rome Temple’s visitor’s center. The artists created a second panel that could travel to other locations. The book details the scenes depicted in glass and the biblical stories and images that are represented. I thought it contained the right amount of detail and explanation. I enjoyed reading the book and seeing the panels. If I saw the panels in person I would absolutely purchase this book much like I would purchase a book about art exhibition from an art museum. The artists live and work in my home state not far from where I live. So I am hopeful the panels will make their way here someday. Or maybe I will have to visit the original in Rome.

The pictures in this book are so beautiful, I can only imagine how gorgeous the windows are in person. I found the history of making these stained glass windows interesting and can appreciate how painstaking the work must be. I loved that they pointed out the symbolism in each panel--small details I would have otherwise missed. This is a beautiful book for everyone-not just art lovers.

I received a complimentary eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

What a beautiful book! The artwork is divine and the detail to the history and symbols of the time is amazing. I loved connecting the art in the pictures with the background history and symbol. I love that there are numbered indexes for each section so that I am positive about what picture goes with what before I read the description. A definite treasure. I loved the stained glass art work as soon as I saw it but having all the connections to the things the Savior taught and the understanding of the symbols makes it all the more beautiful.

In 2019, Tom and Gayle Holdman, along with the talented artists of Holdman Studio, created a breathtaking stained-glass window illustrating the life and mission of Jesus Christ. This five-panel masterpiece found its home in Rome, Italy. Concerned that many might never get the chance to see it, they set out to create something even more expansive—a nine-panel stained-glass window showcasing additional New Testament stories. This new piece debuted in Paris in 2023 and later traveled to London in 2024.

This book takes readers behind the scenes of the creative process and brings the artwork to life by highlighting its intricate details. Each of the 180 images weaves a story from Christ’s life, from His birth to His resurrection, while offering thoughtful commentary on the symbolism—like a shaft of light representing creation or a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. It also provides fascinating context for figures such as Peter, James, and the woman at the well, along with reflections on cherished teachings like the “Good Samaritan” and the “widow’s mite.”

For anyone who loves art or finds inspiration in Christ’s story, this book is a beautiful tribute to His life and mission.

#BelieveinHim #NetGalle
A beautiful book of nine panels of stain glass art depicting scenes from Christ's life. There is so much detail that went into making these panels. The panels were displayed throughout Europe and appreciated by various religions. The book shows many stain glass images that are breathtaking in their detail. There are explanations and quotes throughout the book of various religious leaders and church members.