Jeremy Camp - The Answer CD Review and Giveaway

Some of the most moving praise and worship songs, that have helped me to memorize scripture without realizing it has been thanks to Jeremy Camp. It makes me wonder at times if they face the same weary battles as believers that we do. Do they question their faith at times? Do they question God when adversity happens and they are trying to understand why? One of the songs that helped me deal with the fact that my husband's new job would require long periods of travel and would be gone for a time. It's a reminder that one day, tears will never become an issue again in eternity.

His latest CD, The Answer seems to define the very nature of the questions I posed at the beginning of this review. The title track, the answer seems perfect in spite of the recent tragedy of what happened in Las Vegas that reminds us that God's provision is always the absolute truth thanks to the suffering in life that Jesus Christ had to deal with in the very short time here on earth. One of my favorite tracks on this album is My Defender. Besides the lyrics that speak to our own Spirit, it reminds me that no matter what I am facing, no matter how dark things may look, God always goes before us defending us from the spiritual battles we face each day without being aware of them.

This latest CD features 11 songs, Word of Life, My Defender, The Answer, Storm, My Father's Arms, Never Stopped Loving, Heaven's Shore, Carriers, Love So Great and Awake O Sleeper. The best thing about songs from Jeremy Camp is while you're learning the lyrics to the song, you are memorizing Scripture at the same time without realizing it and that is always a plus for me. Never Stopped Loving is a song for those who have wandered away from God, church, and perhaps even questioned our faith, but this reminds us that we can never move so far away from God that He can't find us. He is always waiting for us to return. Guess that answers so many of my questions in life. Tell the World is the song for every new believer. That surreal feeling that we want to share how wonderful God is once we get saved or even throughout our own spiritual walk, we are reminded of our purpose and that is to share the good news of Christ with the lost. I especially LOVED Awake O Sleeper which reminded me of Jon Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive! This one will be replayed again and again!

I received Jeremy Camp: The Answer compliments of Capital Christian Music Group and Propeller LLC. This is the perfect CD that answers the questions every single believer has at times. For me this really reached into a dark place in my life, where fear was taking a bigger place that I wanted it to, even though I placed my trust in God. That enemy loves to linger around and cause us to keep our focus on the issues instead of the one who can carry those burdens in our life. I'd give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. The lyrics are including inside this CD for those of you, like me, that appreciate them when you purchase a CD. Thanks to the generosity of Capital Christian Music Group and Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart or my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter.

1. "Like" Jeremy Camp's Facebook page.

2. Be a resident of the US and please No P.O. Boxes!

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this CD. Don't forget to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. Without an email address I have no way of contacting you if you're the lucky winner of this giveaway.

The giveaway will end on October 13th and I will be contacting the winner via email, so please be sure to include it.

Jeremy Camp: The Answer by Capital Christian Music Group

You can find Jeremy Camp on Facebook to stay up to date without all his latest music!

To read more reviews on Jeremy Camp: The Answer, please visit Capital Christian Music Group's 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.

Matthew West: All In Review and Giveaway

As a Christian, I don't think there isn't anyone who doesn't know Matthew West when it comes to Christian Contemporary Music. I had a chance to meet him a few years ago, and he is as humble and genuine as his music is. The best part of his music is that it is inspired by what people are going through at certain times of their life. As encouragement, as a means of hope, and a reminder of where our faith is. His latest CD, All In is incredible! I found so much hope and it seems as if some songs were written just for me, where I am at in this chapter of my own life.

That is the theme of his music. You feel it is written just for you. You may like one song, one day and a few weeks from now, another song will be your favorite. Because they are written just for you. From the very brokenness in our hearts and souls, he reminds us of what the Bible has to say, about these things as well. In fact some of my Bible Scripture memorization has come from his music. It is hard to forget and more importantly I believe is that it is life changing. From Broken Things which most of us have heard, there are also some new songs that I am sure will also be chart toppers soon.

For me, The Beautiful Things We Miss is by far my favorite on this CD perhaps because it deals personally for me where my life is. After watching one daughter marry last year and another one not too far from doing that as well, I see how things are slipping by too fast and before we know it, those things are long gone. We need to embrace the present so that they don't become the past too quickly and leave us with the regrets we all fear. Life truly is a vapor when you take a look back.

There are 14 songs on his latest CD, All In.

1. All In
2. Broken Things
3. Mercy is a Song
4. Amen
5. The Sound of a Life Changing
6. Something Greater
7. Jesus and You.
8. The Beautiful Things We Miss
9. 1 Song
10. Power Love Sound Mind
11. Never Ever Give Up
12. Dream Again
13. Becoming Me (featuring Lulu West)
14. You are Known

There is something that I know will speak to the heart and soul of everyone who listens to this CD. I received Matthew West: All In compliments of Capital Records, Christian Music Group and FlyBy LLD. This is one of my favorite Christian music CD's this year andI can't wait for you to share in this with me. I would easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and love the hidden soundtrack at the conclusion of this CD. You won't want to miss it. Thanks to the generosity of Capital Records and FlyBy LLC, they are offering a copy of this CD to one lucky person. Here are your guidelines for entering the giveaway.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart or "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Matthew West's Facebook page. 

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

4. Leave a comment below telling me what Matthew West's music has done for you. Don't forget to include your email address so I have a way of contacting you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway. You can even use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will email the winner of this giveaway once it ends on September 27th. Don't forget to include your email address since without it, I have no way of contacting you, if you're the winner!

For more information about Matthew West, Capital Records or where you can pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below:

Matthew West: All In by Capital Records Christian Music Group

You can find Matthew West on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest projects.

“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.

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.

Song of Silence

"There are moments in life, seasons in life, when it seems that God goes silent. We wait. We listen. Nothing. No movement. No stirring. No signs of hope or relief. In the silence, it's tempting to believe nothing is happening. Good musicians understand the crucial role silence plays in music. The pause creates tension. They give weight to what is about to come or what has just passes. These silences are not empty, dead space. They're the crucial, fertile silences that make a song what it is. Musically speaking, in the silence, something is happening.

"In your season of waiting on God to speak, don't be fooled into thinking that just because nothing's happening, nothing's happening. In the silence, a song is brewing. Even now, in the quiet pause, in the desperate waiting between what was and what is to come, a song is being composed. You are becoming, and this becoming is not empty and passive. It's active, fertile and alive no matter how hidden it may seem to your ears. Wherever you find yourself waiting...keep composing. Keep becoming. Keep hoping and listening. Somewhere beneath the silence that is your life, a faint chord is striking, a song is brewing. - Brad Nelson, Restoration Living" (pg 201-201).

Such profound advice for retired music teacher Lucy Tuttle who finds herself afloat in her life without a sure way to figure out what is next. Being forced into early retirement when the school board votes to eliminate the music program, she feels like she has no voice. No song left to sing. Her husband Charlie, who has been retired is looking forward to this chapter of their life where he has hopes of spending it with Lucy. Lucy realizes how much this early retirement will cut into their finances and can't seem to get her head above water long enough to figure out what she is going to do.

Her daughter Olivia, needs to move home temporarily while she finishes up school and at the same time, her son just announces that he is getting married to someone who he has barely known at all. Along with that relationship comes the fact of dealing with Sasha who is deaf and her son Evan who has Asperger's. Just how much more can one woman be expected to deal with at this stage in her life when age seems to play an imminent role in her finding another teaching position. The last thing she wants to do is hang out with her husband Charlie who is considering going into the worm farm business and Lucy would make the perfect partner.

I received Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is such a great novel as I find myself considering entering the work force at the same age as Lucy is and wondering how I will be received. I couldn't imagine dealing with all that she is faced with all at the same time. Love her HHATT group, her doctor has her meet with and can only hope I can form my own such group to share my inner most woman feelings with to those who can truly understand. For me, this one easily goes down as a 5 out of 5 stars and a Reader's Discussion Guide is included for those real book clubs to enjoy! I hope Cynthia decides to expand this into a series of the women we meet in Lucy's HHATT group! Would love to know their stories!

For more information about Song of Silence, Cynthia Ruchti or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti

You can find Cynthia Ruchti on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

For more reviews on Song of Silence, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, will Lucy's faith song go silent, too? Find out in Cynthia Ruchti's new book, Song of Silence. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes. When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.

Celebrate the release of Song of Silence with a blog tour and giveaway. Two winners will be chosen!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Song of Silence
• A $150 Visa cash card

One second place winner will receive:

• A copy of Song of Silence
• A music-themed prize pack filled with goodies hand-picked by Cynthia

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 9th. The winners will be announced May 10th on Cynthia's blog.

The Identical - DVD Review and Giveaway

There sometimes comes a movie that really impacts you in a powerful way, portraying just what sacrifice, unconditional love and forgiveness looks like. The Identical is just that movie. Starring Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta and Blake Rayne, that take viewers back in almost a parallel story of sorts you can't help buy compare at times to Elvis Presley. It begins in the mid 1930's in Tennessee, in the midst of the depression. For William and Helen Helmsley it means a whole lot more. As William struggles to find work in a depression laced town, Helen gives birth to twin sons. Knowing how difficult it is to make ends meet for just themselves, William arrives to a revival tent meeting being led by Reece Wade (Ray Liotta) who is telling those present of their own recent troubles of trying to conceive and now being told they will never be able to have children. He asks those in attendance to pray for God's favor to provide and in William's case, the solution to their financial problem.

He invites the Wade's over to announce that with heart-felt prayers by both of them, that he believes God is asking them to give one of their sons to the childless couple to raise. It's a tough decision for the Hemsley's but they believe giving one of their sons to a God-fearing couple is just the answer to the prayers. William begs Reece to never tells the boy as he grows older about his birth and subsequent adoption to the Wade family and they vow to raise him up in a good Christian home.

As the two boys grow their talents in music become apparent. Drexel Helmsley becomes the newest singing sensation while Reece tries to convince Ryan to follow what he believes is a calling in his own life, to follow in his father's footsteps and become a preacher. Soon it becomes too much for Ryan trying to live up to his father's expectations for him despite this overwhelming desire for music and they soon part ways. Along the way Ryan is constantly being asked if he realizes how much he looks like Drexel, to which he is genuinely humble. It never dawns on him that the two might be related no matter how much Ryan feels compelled to copy Drexel's music style. How it plays out in the end is beautiful, heart-warming and one that you will be sure to want to watch again and again.

I received The Identical by City of Peace Films compliments of Propeller LLC for my honest review in exchange for a complimentary copy of the DVD. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are my own personal opinion. The music in the movie is solid and one I found myself wishing I had the CD for, which is also available. It truly takes you back to those times when Elvis Presley's soulfull melodies filled the airwaves. The Identical DVD is about 107 minutes in length and contains bonus features which include, the making of The Identical, Behind the Scenes and my favorite, the music of The Identical. Perfect for all ages and is Dove Family approved for 12 and up. I think anyone can truly enjoy it and that is why I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of Propeller LLC, they are providing a giveaway copy 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. If you have already "Liked" it, leave a comment on the page.

3. Be a resident of the US or Canada. No P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. You can enter as many times as you wish, be sure to simply comment each time. 

I will notify the winner of the giveaway when it ends on January 15th, so please be sure to include your email address with your comment.


For more information about The Identical, City of Peace Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

The Identical

You can find The Identical on Facebook for more great movie information!

You can find out more about the films City of Peace is working on by visiting their 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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Music for Your Heart

It seems the more we love something the more we want to know more about their backgrounds. There are those that will be director's cut version of their favorite movies to dig into the details behind the making of the movie or even attend author signings of their favorite novels to know what motivated them to write that particular book that speaks to their soul. But even music has a history and a background to some of the songs we love but so few people really know their musical history behind the making of those songs that have become our personal favorites until now!

Best selling author Ace Collins, takes a journey into the history of some of our favorite songs of all time. There are those beloved church hymns like Amazing Grace, Jesus Loves Me, and How Great Thou Art that Ace breaks down not only the meaning behind the songs but also some insight into how those songs impact our heart and soul through our relationship through Christ. There are such unforgettable classics like Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I Write The Songs, Blue Skies, Yesterday and Stand by Me that show that even though we love them, most of the time we don't know what inspired the artists or songwriters to get them to the radio for us to love. For example, I Write the Songs, made famous by artist Barry Manilow, is a song that he didn't want to record because he thought people would think he was arrogant when you listen to the lyrics, but in fact the song is about God writing the songs that we see through His creations. In fact, after reading this book, I am convinced you will have a greater appreciation for the music you love.

There are some great stories into some of the beloved Christmas classics like Jingle Bells, written for a Thanksgiving production and Bing Crosby's rendition of White Christmas that really was written to inspire soldiers who were going to war to help remember those things about home during Christmas. There are 87 songs that are detailed in their historical significance and the artists who made them popular but by far my favorite thing about this book is the thoughts Ace Collins shares to enhance our own lives such as the inspiration behind the song Tie A Yellow Ribbon. While the history of the song dates back to the significance of the yellow ribbons and war, the meaning can also represent the significance we take when we celebrate communion and the sacrifice that Christ made for us. This is retold so many times in the Bible to remember all the things that Lord has done for us, so we will not forget. Ace reminds us of that fact through the illustration of the song and it's history.

I received Music for Your Heart: Reflections from Your Favorite Songs by Ace Collins, compliments of Abingdon Press for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is simply a must have for music lovers and fans of music history. There is literally something for everyone in this wonderful collection of song history. Not only that but the messages about those songs through Ace's words will make you appreciate them so much more. It will definite change how you view those songs you find yourself singing over and over again in new ways! I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to pick up his Christmas Collection, Stories Behind the Best-Loved Christmas Songs!

For more information about Music for Your Heart, Ace Collins, or where to preorder a copy of this book due out in September of 2013, please click on the links below:

Music for Your Heart: Reflections From Your Favorite Songs by Ace Collins

You can also find Ace Collins on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books and novels.

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 17, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426767277
• ISBN-13: 978-1426767272