Nichole Nordeman - Every Mile Mattered CD Review and Giveaway

I can honestly say, I hadn't heard of Nichole Nordeman until I listened to her latest CD, Every Mile Mattered and I fell in love with so many of her songs. It's not just the words of the songs, but for me there has to be something different from the other songs we hear on the radio to make me a true lover of the artist and I found it in this latest CD.

There are 11 songs on this CD: (1) Every Mile Mattered, (2) You're Here, (3) Dear Me, (4) No Longer, (5) Lean, (6) Hush, Hush, (7) Listen to Your Life, (8) Beautiful Day, (9) Sound of Surviving, (10) Anywhere We Are, and (11) Slow Down.

The ones that really connected with me are Every Mile Mattered, You're Here and my all time favorite on this CD is Hush, Hush! Although I love them all, those three speak to a place in my life that God and I connect on a different level I can't explain. I can't wait to hear what your favorite songs are!

"These are songs that Nichole has been in her heart for years, long before they were bound by lyric or melody. They are mile markers. Places I've been. Things I have seen and maybe see a little differently now. Every mile on that road mattered. The endless miles of God's mercy and goodness. Every bump and bruise. The long stretches I'd rather erase. The journey really does change us, or should, anyway."

I think that is reason why I connected to so many of these songs. We are all on our own personal journeys, some we wished we could have taken a detour and wished God would have given us a "Dead End" sign so we could have avoided some of the issues we have faced. But they make us all unique, strong in our own ways, and they unite us. They are things we can all relate to in this road called life until God calls us home. I can tell you that you will find something in this CD that will speak to your heart and soul, whether by words, melody or simply the way God touches your soul when you hear a particular song on this CD.

I received Every Mile Mattered by Nichole Nordeman compliments of Capital Records and FlyBy Promotions. The lyrics are provided in this CD as well for those of you that love to know the words so you can enjoy your music even more!!! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
You can hear samples of the songs by visiting Nichole Nordeman's website. Thanks to the generosity of Capital Records and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy of Nichole Nordeman's CD, Every Mile Matters! Here is what you need to do to enter:

1. "Like" Nichole Nordeman's Facebook page. 

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address. Please No P.O Boxes.

3. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Every Mile Mattered by Nichole Nordeman. Don't forget to include your email address is that is how I will be contacting the winner of this giveaway. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on August 2nd, so be sure to share this with people you know would love this! I will be contacting the winner of the giveaway by email on August 2nd, so be sure you are following my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart or are following this blog so you don't miss out. Without an email I have no way to contact you! Don't forget!!!

For more information about Nichole Nordeman, Every Mile Mattered or where you can pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below:

Nichole Nordeman - Every Mile Mattered

You can find Nichole Nordeman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest projects.

To read more reviews of Every Mile Mattered by Nichole Nordeman, please visit Capital Records website. 

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Mandisa Out of the Dark CD Giveaway

The one thing I love about Mandisa is her transparency and beautiful soul. I fell in love with her first as a contestant on American Idol, but then found her through my Christian music stations with her singles Stronger, that exemplified for listeners that we could find strength in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now her latest CD, Out of the Dark is exactly her next level of connectiveness to her listeners and fans. It never dawned on me that even Christian artists can face the temptations of the enemy and find themselves feeling alone, in the dark and at the bottom of a pit with no way out. This is why I believe this CD will identify with so many. We have all been there. Some of us are still struggling and each song on this CD will connect with those emotions.

There are 18 songs on this CD with the first being a voicemail intro of some of those trying to reach out to Mandisa, who was going through her own personal struggle. "It's been 4 years since I released my last album Overcomer. The inspiration for Overcomer was my friend, Lakisha Mitchell, who was pregnant with her second child when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I begged God for a healthy child to be born, and for Kisha to be healed. My first prayer was answered with a resounding yes; Brennon is healthy and will be 4 this June. My second prayer didn't receive the answer I wanted or expected. Kisha had one year with Brennon and her other son BJ, and husband, Breonus, before she went home to be with Jesus. While I know that Kisha is in a better place and feels no pain, the deferred hope made my heart sick, and I spiraled into a deep depression. I ignored God, isolated myself from everyone, and turned to my old ways. I didn't go to church, didn't open my Bible, barely left my house, and after losing over 120 pounds since 2008, gained it all back and then some. Shame and insecurity weighed me down and suicidal thoughts tried to overtake me in that dark pit. Thankfully, it only takes a flicker of light to dispel the darkness. God worked through my family and friends as the literal hands and feet of Jesus." You can see her interview below:

You can read the conclusion of this story, but I feel it is more felt through the lyrics of the songs you'll find on this CD. They are powerful, life-changing and have the ability to relate to those who are experience their own time in the valley or in a pit of complete and utter darkness. Good thing is that God doesn't leave us alone to figure things out. He can use anything and everyone to get our attention and bring us back into the light where we can remain victorious and stronger! Just like Psalm 40:2-3 says, "He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."

I received Mandisa: Out of the Dark compliments of Capital Records and Propeller LLC and FlyBy Promotions. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I honestly believe like some of the lyrics Mandisa has compiled into her latest songs, this will bring light into those dark places. My favorites are believe it or not, her voicemail intro, because for me it brings me back to the reality of how when we are in the darkest places, we can push away everyone who comes around to help us out. Unfinished has recently topped the music charts and I especially LOVE Good News! There is even a duet with Jeremy Camp with the song My First Love, a duet with Britt Nicole in What You're Worth and even one with Toby Mac with Bleed the Same, a powerful song about uniting the racial tensions that are wrecking havoc in our communities all over the world. This by far is one of my new favorite albums of hers and look forward to seeing the lives that will be changed by those who are touched by this CD. By far this CD easily garners a solid 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Mandisa: Out of the Dark or where you can pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below:

Mandisa: Out of the Dark from Capital Records

You can find Mandisa on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest projects.

To purchase Mandisa: Out of the Dark, please click here. 

Now for the best part: Thanks to the generosity of Capital Records and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway CD to one lucky reader! Here are the guidelines to enter this giveaway!

1. "Like" Mandisa's Facebook page.

2.  Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address! No P.O. Boxes please!

3. Leave a comment below why you'd love to win a copy of Out of the Dark! Don't forget to include your email address so I have a way to contact you, if you're the lucky winner! You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Share this giveaway on your own social media sites, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and others! For each link you come back and share here as a comment, gives you another entry into the giveaway! You can even share it every single day until the giveaway ends! Let's spread the word!

The giveaway ends on Thursday, May 25, 2017. So enter as many times as you want. Just make sure that you post your shared link for each entry! We really want to help get the word out about this album out to as many social media contacts as possible! So please share away! Lives will be changed, I am sure of it. .

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification."

Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas - Review and Giveawy

Hard to imagine a wonderful Christmas tucked in the Smoky Mountains without thinking of the song, Tennessee Christmas. It exemplifies exactly what those who live in or have experienced at some time, what a Christmas in the mountains looks and feels like. Yet this time of the year we all have our beloved Christmas favorites and that is why I am thrilled to share with you, Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas CD.

Besides containing your traditional favorites like White Christmas, Joy to the World, Baby It's Cold Outside Duet with Vince Gill and O Come, All Ye Faithful, you get some originals that will make it to your must listen to during each Christmas season to come. There are 13 songs besides the title track of Tennessee Christmas, and my favorite of them all is To Be Together. For me it's a reminder that we don't really need anything but our loved ones to make Christmas something to remember. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and this CD is a beautiful way to remind us what the real reason for the Christmas season is, Jesus Christ.

Like Amy states, "Everybody has Christmas memories, and it seems like we spent as much time reminiscing and telling stories as we did making music. Nostalgic...warm...hopeful...loved...not alone." This CD contains the following tracks:

1. Tennessee Christmas
2. To Be Together
3. Christmas For You and Me
4. Melancholy Christmas
5. December
6. White Christmas
7. Joy To The World
8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
9. Baby, It's Cold Outside (Featuring Vince Gill).
10. Christmas Don't Be Late
11. Still Can't Sleep
12. Another Merry Christmas
13. O Come, All Ye Faithful

I received Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas compliments of Capital Records and Fly By Promotions/Propeller LLC. Tucked inside this CD are the lyrics to all the songs as well as some beautiful family pictures of Amy Grant's Christmas memories over the years. I absolutely LOVED this CD to put me into the "country Christmas" mood! I would rate this CD a 4 out of 5 stars.

Now for the best part, thanks to Capital Records and Fly By Promotions/Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway CD to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart.

3. Be a resident of the US and no P.O. Boxes please!

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win this Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas CD. Don't forget to include your email address so I have a way to contact you if you're the winner. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols if you wish.

I will contact the winner by email once the giveaway is over on December 9th. So be sure to share this on your social media sites as well to give others the opportunity to win as well!

For more information about Amy Grant, Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas CD or where to pick this up today, please click on the links below:

Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas CD by Capital Records

You can find Amy Grant on Facebook to stay up to date with all her projects.

You can purchase a copy of Amy Grant:Tennessee Christmas on iTunes. 

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Love All The Way by Brittany Hargest - CD Giveaway and Review

Four years after Hello & Goodbye, the final studio project from pop sensations Jump 5, its youngest member, Brittany Hargest, is jumping back into the spotlight with her release, Love All The Way. Don't underestimate this girl. While she clearly still knows how to have fun, she's not a newcomer, and no longer a kid. At 23, Brittany is a seasoned industry veteran and her confidence and command behind the microphone is evident. She was behind the wheel on this project, having provided writing contributions to most of the songs. Brittany's back, andLove All The Way is sure to be a hit with listeners of all ages.

The album begins with the high-octane "Critical" which talks about the need for action-driven faith to save a world in crisis. Brittany warns, "Too many doing 95 down a dead-end road. We gotta do something quick! It's getting critical." As we witness the depravity of the world, we can't sit back and do nothing. She implores listeners to be part of the solution and calls them to prayer and bold action: "We see too much to act so blind." The song's message is supported by punchy music with heavy beats, chunky guitars that sound like sirens, and an unrelentingly fast pace that perfectly illustrates the urgent need for God in today's world.

At the personal level, "Critical" can also be interpreted as emphasizing the need for a personal faith decision. "It's life and death," she sings. "It is that serious." This song is a good opener for the album, showing the world's need for Jesus. And much of the rest of the record will show us what Jesus' love can do.

The next song, "Slow Motion," moves in anything but slow motion. This driving, beat-laden track encourages the tired and weary not to lose hope: "If you know your heart is broken, that's the moment that it's open. Even in slow motion, you've gotta keep going. Just keep on, keep on going. In slow, in slow motion...." This song definitely belongs on everyone's running playlist! Brittany's vocals are strong and confident, and the track is irresistibly infectious and adrenaline inducing. This song is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd! It carries an energy similar to tobyMac, and should succeed even on mainstreams outlets like Radio Disney.

"Miracle" beautifully demonstrates the difference between what we see when we look at ourselves and what God sees when He looks at us. While we get caught up in our weaknesses and our flaws, God sees our potential: "You see a miracle. You see something beautiful when you look at me. See what I could be." God's love changes us and affects our perspective and the way we perceive the world. That's definitely a miracle worth celebrating!

Standout track "You Met Me" is the most stripped-down on the record. The more straightforward musical delivery of the song showcases Brittany's voice and its power to deliver an important lyrical message: the faithful pursuit of God's merciful love. Jesus' love meets us where we are and takes us as we are: "You met me. Right then and there. When and where I needed love but did not deserve to be loved." The song reminds us that we cannot fix ourselves -- we need a Savior. But it also points out that, thanks to God's mercy, we have no need for shame. Grace transforms us and gives us a new start. At the songs' end, the lyric is cleverly flipped. Brittany's life is changed, she sings in praise to God, "all because I met you."



Brittany Hargest's Love All The Way is full of energy, hope, and heart. My first listen to the record came at the end of a stressful day that was part of a long stretch of difficult days. But this record was just the balm I needed. I came away from it restored, energized, and emboldened. This is the mission and call of Christian music: to encourage, to bring hope, to spread the good news of God's love. Brittany can consider her mission accomplished! The only downside to the record is its brevity – the 10 tracks clock in at just under 33 minutes. However, this album succeeds in showcasing both a talented artist and a merciful, loving, unwavering God. Brittany Hargest doesn't miss a step. She's right on beat with this debut solo project.

I received a copy of Brittany Hargest's Love All The Way CD compliments of Propeller for my honest review and have to say, my family loves it! We would easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks to the generous folks at Propeller they are offering a giveaway copy of this CD to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Remember No P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave me a comment and let me know why you'd like to win a copy of this CD along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. I will notify the winner by email, so please be sure to include it.

The giveaway will end on November 7th and will notify the winner by email at that time.

For more information about this CD and Brittany Hargest, please click on the link below:

Love All The Way by Brittany Hargest

You can also find Brittany on Facebook by clicking here.

Jeremy Riddle - Furious - CD Giveaway and Review

Vineyard Worship artist and worship leader Jeremy Riddle has announced the release of his new studio album entitled, Furious. The album is set for release on September 20 via NewDay Distribution. In my opinion, Jeremy sounds like Bono from U2 meets Phil Wickham. The music lyrics and style are very moving, you find yourself loving every single song as it transitions from one to another, and before you know it, you're at the end. So you do what I do, you press play again! It's simply that good! If you're looking for an album that will lift your dry spirit, this one will do it!

Riddle began production on the album nearly a year ago with Dove Award winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, David Crowder Band) at the helm. Cash’s contribution forms the backbone of the album which also features production from Bobby Hartry, a long time Riddle collaborator. The project follows Prepare The Way: Live, an album recorded in front of a live audience in Corpus Christi, Tex., earlier this year from Vineyard.

Riddle describes Furious saying, “It’s hard to come up with words that depict the magnitude of Christ’s love – the depth and width of it. Furious doesn’t work outside of the context of love; we tend to translate the word as angry, but I see it as a super-powerful force; stronger, deeper, broader than our vocabulary can fully describe."

Four years on the road as a touring worship leader eventually took its toll on Jeremy, so in January 2011, the former jr. high youth pastor came on staff as worship community pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. Working under pastors Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy facilitates a worship community of over 200 people within the church.

“My wife (Katie) and I have always had a heart to serve the local church and never wanted to do the full-time travel thing for very long, so it felt like a good time to transition into something different,” Jeremy says. “I’ve developed such an appreciation for the fruit that has been sowed from my life – personally and artistically – by being part of a local community.”

Consequently, several of the tracks on Furious are also featured on Be Lifted High, the most recent album from Bethel Church.

“These songs are a reflection of being part of something bigger than just me,” Jeremy says. “Through some significant growth in understanding and living out humility from a very independent place, I’ve shifted into a place where I can’t even claim this record is completely inspired by me. There are so many elements of the album that could never have flowed from me had I not been connected to people walking out life with me.”

My personal favorite that has really spoken to me, was Fall Afresh! It's like water to a very thirsty and parched spirit that will awaken by the end of the song. The lyrics have spoken volumes to me. Another favorite is Furious, the title track to his album. I know that this one will be played a lot on the radio stations. Hands down this CD is a 5 out of 5 stars!

The message Jeremy seems to be getting across on this album is how great God is, and how much he truly does deserve all of our praise and worship! I received this CD, Furious, compliments of Propeller and Jeremy Riddle for my honest review and know you want this one to add to your praise and worship collection. For more information on this CD, the artist, Jeremy Riddle, and even where you can hear a clip of each of the 13 songs on this CD, click on the links below:

Jeremy Riddle - Furious

You can also find Jeremy on Facebook by clicking here.
You can tweet Jeremy Riddle on Twitter by clicking here.

Thanks to the generous folks at Propeller, Vineyard Music and Jeremy Riddle, they are offering a giveaway CD of Furious to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's what you need to do to enter to win!

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address! Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I need a way to contact you so please include your email address. You can include it along with your comment and use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols! Without it, I have no way of letting you know you've won. So don't miss out. Leave me a comment and tell me why you'd love to win a copy.

The giveaway will end on September 25th, and I will notify the winner via email at that time.