SINGER/SONGWRITER JEAN WATSON PROMOTES UPCOMING CD, OVERCOME, AT NRB 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 11, 2015) -Internationally acclaimed Shadowlands recording artist Jean Watson recently attended the 2015 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention, which was held Feb. 23-26 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN.  During the event, Watson met with media and industry leaders to discuss her upcoming CD, Overcome. The award-winning artist connected with longtime friends as well as new ones, including Saturday Night Live alumnus Victoria  Jackson. Watson interviewed and met with such influential outlets as CRU (Campus Crusade For Christ), New Life FM and The Babbie Mason Show, among others. "I am so thankful I was able to attend NRB this year," says Watson. "What a blessing to connect with so many people who have a heart to communicate the love of God to the world! It was great to be able to share my story and music with people from all over the country in one place." Overcome, Watson's 7th full-length album, is slated to release this summer. The new project features an abundance of Celtic-infused violin, Watson's signature haunting vocals, and the special treat of stellar fret-work from master guitarist Phil Keaggy. "I chose Overcome as the title of my new CD because it truly reflects the joyful place I'm in right now in life," explains Watson. "The songs on this project speak of overcoming through the power of God's love. The arrangements are energetic and fresh, and Phil Keaggy's guitar playing is simply amazing! I hope this new music is as encouraging and fun to listen to as it was for me to make!" For more information about Watson and Overcome, visit jeanwatson.com.

Jean Watson interviewed with Shaun Tabatt of The Shaun Tabatt Show while at NRB 2015. Pictured (L to R): Watson and Tabatt. (McCain & Co. Public Relations photo)  About Jean Watson: Classically trained violinist Jean Watson began her career as a Christian recording artist after having experienced the depths of brokenness and depression, and it was her own brokenness that has infused her music with such beauty and compassion.  Overcome will be her seventh album since 2003. She has been honored four times as the Best Female Praise and Worship Artist USA by the UK Christian Music Alliance.  Watson can be heard worldwide on UCB Radio Ireland where she hosts a daily inspirational radio program,Jean Watson, which she records from her Michigan home studio. Watson has logged thousands of miles traveling to perform in churches, prisons, coffee houses, homeless shelters and concert halls. When she is not on the road, she plays violin in the Kalamazoo, Mich., Symphony. Watson is a newlywed, having recently married Mark Roberts, a chaplain in the United States Air Force. She lives in Lawton, Mich., and has four children: Charlie, Andrew, Grace, Katharine, daughter-in-law Emily, and grandson Chase.    For more information on Watson and Overcome, visit jeanwatson.com or like on Facebook atFacebook.com/JeanWatsonMusic.        About NRB: The annual National Religious Broadcasters Convention & Exposition (NRB) is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assisting those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic exposition consists of nearly 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their ministries. NRB 2015 was held Feb. 23-26 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. For more information, visit nrb.org.

Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Spy of Richmond River North (March 1, 2015) by Jocelyn Green

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Trust none. Risk all. Richmond, Virginia, 1863. Compelled to atone for the sins of her slaveholding father, Union loyalist Sophie Kent risks everything to help end the war from within the Confederate capital and abolish slavery forever. But she can't do it alone. Former slave Bella Jamison sacrifices her freedom to come to Richmond, where her Union soldier husband is imprisoned, and her twin sister still lives in bondage in Sophie's home. Though it may cost them their lives, they work with Sophie to betray Rebel authorities. Harrison Caldwell, a Northern freelance journalist who escorts Bella to Richmond, infiltrates the War Department as a clerk-but is conscripted to defend the city's fortifications.

As Sophie's spy network grows, she walks a tightrope of deception, using her father's position as newspaper editor and a suitor's position in the ordnance bureau for the advantage of the Union. One misstep could land her in prison, or worse. Suspicion hounds her until she barely even trusts herself. When her espionage endangers the people she loves, she makes a life-and-death gamble.

Will she follow her convictions even though it costs her everything-and everyone-she holds dear?

My Thoughts:

“Soldiers who had endured four years of privation and battle died in a moat, at the hands of an enemy they could not see, for a cause that they could now win.  The living stumbled and scrambled over those who fell, searching  frantically for a place to get into the fort.”  (p. 389)

The Civil War was so very, very brutal.  Jocelyn Green captures the nuance of the loyalties that caused families to rip asunder in violence.  Sophie Kent chooses to become a spy, and her choice costs her greatly.  Being courted by a Confederate soldier doesn’t simplify anything – at all.  And the lives of the slaves…so  very horrific….and yet they risk everything for their freedom! 

Jocelyn doesn’t miss any detail in this story, and time and time again, your heart pounds in anticipation of being discovered, of being betrayed, of hurting those you have come to care about.  You literally see this War from every conceivable angle.  And you see FAITH at in its most raw form.  A faith that had to hang on with there was nothing to hang onto!!

This is a powerful look into the double edged sword that was the Civil War.  May our faith be strengthened with the example of our forefathers?  May we be ever as faithful!!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Spy of Richmond, go HERE.

Pentatonix - On My Way Home Tour

 ON MY WAY HOME TOUR DATES
 3/9/15 – Chicago, IL | Chicago Theater
 3/11/15 – Toronto, ON | The Sound Academy
3/12/15 – Toronto, ON | The Sound Academy  ;
3/14/15 – Atlantic City, NJ | Event Center at the Borgata
3/15/15 – Wallingford, CT | Oakdale Theater
3/16/15 – Boston, MA | Agganis Arena
3/18/15 – New York, NY | The Theater at Madison Square Garden
3/19/15 – Fairfax, VA | Patriot Center
3/21/15 – Atlanta, GA | The Tabernacle | More info >
 3/22/15 – Tampa, FL | Busch Gardens Park (Open To Park) | FREE SHOW with park admission 3/25/15 – Houston, TX | Bayou Music Center |
3/26/15 – Austin, TX | Moody Theater
3/28/15 – Tulsa, OK | Brady Theater
3/29/15 – Grand Prairie, TX | Verizon Wireless Theater

You're Loved No Matter What by Holly Gerth - REVIEWED

About the Book:
As women, we tend to think that if we could only get our act together, life would be perfect. But you're not supposed to be perfect. You're supposed to be human. And humans are messy, flawed, glorious, and deeply loved.

It's time to lay down those unrealistic expectations that exhaust you.
It's time to embrace who you are--even the messy parts.
It's time to start living fully instead of just trying not to fail.

Let's do this. Together.

-----------------------------

How would your life be different if you truly believed you're loved just as you are? Bestselling author Holley Gerth shares how God wants to set our hearts free by revealing the lies we believe as well as the scandalous grace and acceptance offered to us instead. She helps us lay down our unrealistic expectations so we can embrace who God created us to be, pursue his purpose for our lives, and offer others the love we've been freely given.

My Thoughts:

“Sometimes You Will Forget All of This – And It’s Okay”  (heading on p. 186)

This is the grace and truth with which Holly Gerth writes her books.  Even after the final draft of the book was turned in, she admitted to a friend that her exhaustion stemmed from the fact that, “I’d switched from being a worshiper to a worker.”  (p. 186)  Grace.  Again.  Truth.  Again.  To me, this is the Holy work of God through His obedient servant.  She always gives God the glory for her work. That is why she is able to write such thought provoking, healing words.  That is why readers like me answer the hard questions at the end of each chapter and rejoice in our discovery.

You’re Loved No Matter What deals with a very personal, common struggle with the desire for perfection in our lives.  When we realize the source of this desire,  we recognize perfection is found only in God through Jesus Christ, and accept the life-long journey of being transformed by the renewing of our minds will we be able to lay this burden down and be free to be the person God created us to be.  Sometimes that means saying “no”.  Always it means that God is in control.  And the guilt and shame and depression and all of that other trash is the lie of the enemy to keep us in bondage to a wrong view of the relationship we have with God through Jesus.

Readers, this book has been a powerful tool of God in my life.  I humbly, fervently, boldly recommend this to every daughter of God.  It will change your life.

About the Author:

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing, You're Made for a God-Sized Dream,You're Going to Be Okay, and more. She's also cofounder of the popular website (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Learn more at www.holleygerth.com.

MAT KEARNEY’S JUST KIDS LANDS IN THE TOP 20 ON BILLBOARD’S TOP 200 AND NO. 2 ON THE CHRISTIAN CHART

Los Angeles, Calif. (March 5, 2015)—Mat Kearney has delivered another landmark album with his latest release Just Kids through Inpop/Republic/Aware Records. His fifth studio album debuted in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Top 200 and took the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Christian Chart.

In conjunction with the release, Mat’s recently performed his current single “Billion” on the Today show and graced the cover of CCM’s March issue, available now.

As fans have been showing their support of Just Kids, critics also are sharing their excitement of Kearney’s work: 

“If Just Kids proves anything, it is that Kearney is still crafting albums that are unrelenting in their charisma.” –Absolutepunk.net

“Mat Kearney delivers nostalgia perfection on Just Kids. His lyrics are intimate, his emotions are infectious and his feel-good pop will make you dance.”-NewReleaseTuesday.com
 
“Lyrical depth, clever production, and Kearney's impeccable sense of melody and hook all combine to make Just Kids an excellent example of a pop album done the right way, and it may be Kearney's best work since he first burst onto the scene.”- JesusFreakHideout.com

“Experimenting with a cacophony of sounds from 80s-pop to rustic folk to contemporary EDM to 90s-soul-rap, there isn't a dull moment on this record.  And to add further zest to already a spicy record are the vivid images and picturesque descriptions.  All of these thus make Just Kids a gorgeous three-dimensional sonic autobiography.”-Hallels.com
 
Just Kids is the follow up album to his 2011′s Young Love record that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Digital Chart and #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Known for ubiquitous anthems such as “Nothing Left to Lose”, “Hey Mama”, and “Ships in the Night”, with over a million albums sold, his music has been featured in countless television shows and films ranging from Soul Surfer and Parenthood to The Closer, NCIS, 30 Rock, and Vampire Diaries. His 2006 major label debut Nothing Left to Lose has sold over 450,000 copies, while 2009’s City of Black & White hit #13 on the Billboard Top 200. In between it all, he supported everybody from John Mayer to Keane on the road.
 
For more information on Mat Kearney, visit www.matkearney.com
InPop Records: http://www.inpop.com/
Facebook/Twitter: @matkearney
 
About Inpop:
Inpop Records is an independent entertainment company based in Nashville, TN and home to some of today's most vibrant artists and brands. Distributed by Capital Christian Music Group, Inpop is passionate about using music and film to inspire popular culture.  Inpop's roster includes Mat Kearney, V.Rose, Newsboys, The God's Not Dead Soundtrack, Superchick and the Four Blood Moons Soundtrack.  Visit us online at www.inpop.com. 

Then Sings My Soul by Amy Sorrells - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Then Sings My Soul David C. Cook (March 1, 2015) by Amy Sorrells

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.

When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Nel Stewart returns home due to the sudden death of her mother, she realizes her beloved father, Jakob, is struggling with dementia. With the reappearance of a high-school sweetheart, deliveries from Ukraine addressed to her, and the discovery of a mysterious, vintage aquamarine gemstone, Nel senses God is pulling her into the past to restore their faith and their futures. Told partially through Jakob's flashbacks of fleeing genocide-ridden eastern Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, the novel combines elements of mystery, history, faith and romance to reveal how God redeems the broken years ... and our future.



My Thoughts:

“Say it…Say it always.  The words in you head will help the truth return to your heart…” (p. 217)

What faith Peter has as he speaks these words to his brother Jakob.   What great faith!  Then Sings My Soul is a tender story of great, longsuffering, victorious faith.  Amy Sorrells gives a glimpse into what our lives must look like from eternity’s perspective.  Jakob and Peter’s story is interwoven with Nel’s present day experience of caring for an aging parent.  I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book that so poignantly captures every single stage of a person’s life-experience.  I feel like I’ve caught just a glimpse of God’s longsuffering toward His children as we struggle through this life on earth – and how He so tenderly woos us all along the way  - through the love of others.

Truly, I haven’t wept like this over a story in a while!  It is absolutely amazing!  It is timeless….it’s relevant…and it reflects the loving grace of our Heavenly Father in such a personal way!  All of the lives in this story are broken….mended…broken again…mended….and it all comes together so naturally, so beautifully that you will be left with an aching heart that understands what a great love we are loved with when we know Yeshua Messiah.

Go…read this book…and rejoice!!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Then Sings My Soul, go HERE.

Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock - REVEIWED

About the Book:
Holly Cramer's past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.

Though Holly's stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily's father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family---she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he's a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.

Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller-the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he's innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can't trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.

Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.

My Thoughts:

“He’s not like this.  He’s a good boy at heart.  He just took a wrong turn.”  (p.132)

Holly Cramer’s sister heard her own voice reflected in the statement made by Creed Kershaw’s parent.  Although they were concerned that their son was about to be charged with murder, their love for and belief in him were unwavering.  Holly had made wrong choices too, and she was now a single parent trying to turn her life around.  Was God’s grace really big enough to give her a second chance?  Did God’s grace reach far enough for Creed too?

Terri Blackstock can weave crime and grace into an irresistible combination, and she does a great job representing both sides of a very diverse coin in her latest novel, Twisted Innocence.  How does a hero wind up behind bars while a murderer walks free?  How can two wounded, broken lives team up to make a difference in the lives of others?  God’s grace has a lot to do with all of that as this story unfolds at a heart-pounding pace!  There are a lot of close calls and a lot of twists and turns from first page to last, so hand on for the ride!

I’ve been reading Terri’s work for decades, and Twisted Innocence is a stellar addition to her titles!  I am happy to recommend this to everyone!

Buy your copy HERE today!

About the Author:
Terri Blackstock 

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times best-selling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com Facebook: tblackstock Twitter: @terriblackstock