Music Review: Anymore by Madilyn Paige

Madilyn Paige matures into a fresh new pop sound on her follow-up to her debut self-titled EP. Her pitch-perfect vocal talent combines with progressive electronic and traditional pop production on this album. Keeping with the inspirational tone of her first album, this new effort shows Madilyn striking out with bold messages about positivity, self-worth, inner strength, and the dangers of comparing ourselves to others in a hyper social-media world. Standout tracks like "Scribbles" examine a deeper relationship with God, and the anthemic "We Are the Riptide" is a call to girls across the world to unite as a force for good.

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I am always excited to hear new songs by Madilyn Paige.  She has a voice that is recognizable and I love her sound.  One of the things I love about Madilyn is that she sings songs that deal with relevant feelings and issues of today in a positive and uplifting way.  Her first track, Perfect, is fantastic.  I love the message and the tune is so catchy.  By far my favorite song of the album.  I also loved the track featuring David Archuleta, another singer who always portrays positive and uplifting lyrics and songs.  The two of them together is a great combination.  This is definitely a feel good sort of album and I enjoyed it so much!  

Below is the music video for "Perfect".  Enjoy!

Track List
1. Perfect
2. Anymore (feat. David Archuleta)
3. Scribbles
4. One Day At a Time
5. We Are the Riptide
6. Anonymous
7. Shine

About the Author

Madilyn Paige

Madilyn Paige is a singer-songwriter who has performed for audiences throughout the United States, in Canada and Japan. At age 16, she was a Top-20 finalist on Season 6 of The Voice. Madilyn has opened for the Sawyer Brown Band, as well as the pre-show for Rachel Platten, American Authors and Jason Derulo. She has also performed with Nathan Pacheco, David Archuleta, and Vocal Point. In addition to performing, Madilyn speaks to youth groups about the importance of having self-esteem, which is the message of her single “Irreplaceable.” She was able to share her song, and part of her message on Face to Face, a live streaming event, that was viewed by youth around the world.

My Home Can Be a Holy Place

Our homes can become holy places that prepare children to grow up in the Lord. This children s picture book tells the story of Lily, a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place by the things she does each day. The engaging illustrations by LDS artist Dan Burr depict Lily s family in various settings that show how children can contribute to the spiritual environment in their home as they say their prayers, work together, read the scriptures, eat dinner as a family, make good decisions, observe the Sabbath day, participate in family home evening, share the gospel, and learn to love one another. Parents will find additional helps and resources to reinforce these concepts on the author s website. These resources are designed specifically to complement the themes presented in the book.

From one of the world's premier violinists comes a new collection of beautiful songs celebrating family and motherhood. The album features classic hymns, such as "Love at Home" and "I Am a Child of God," stunning classical arrangements, including Brahms's "Cradle Song," and beloved children's tunes. The gorgeous track "Love Is Spoken Here" features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

Track list:
Love at Home
Jesus Once Was a Little Child
Songs My Mother Taught Me
I Feel My Savior's Love
Brahms's Cradle Song
I Am a Child of God
Love Is Spoken Here

I don't usually review religious non fiction on my blog.  But I do review music sometimes because I love music.  Jenny Oaks Baker is an amazing violinist and her music just makes me feel.  The violin is such a beautiful instrument.  I love this track list on this album.  This music is so soothing and peaceful and so, so beautiful.  My favorite was Jesus Once Was a Little Child, I think.  

The book that goes along with this music is just as beautiful.  The pictures are sweet and full of peace and love.  The world can be such a hard and cruel place some days but our homes can be our refuge.  We can make our homes a place where love prevails.  This book does a fabulous job of reminding us how.  As we work together, pray together, learn together and play together, our families and our homes become stronger.

The world needs all the beauty it can get and this music and this book (together or separately) definitely add to the good things of the world.

 * Amazon * Deseret Book * Goodreads *

Eyes Unveiled by Crystal Walton

Twenty-one-year-old Emma Matthews lost the song in her heart the same night she lost her dad. With an unfulfilled promise and an ultimatum shadowing her junior year of college, maybe it’s better that way. You can’t hurt if you can’t feel.

But when the reflection she sees in musician Riley Preston’s eyes borders dangerously close to the one she’s spent the last five years searching for, Emma discovers her walls can’t guard her heart from its fiercest desire. Terrified of what she’s experiencing, and even more afraid of what she might lose, Emma grapples for the courage to hold on to one dream without abandoning the promise of another.

Contemporary Inspirational Romance novel Eyes Unveiled lets you relive those heartfelt moments when you don’t know how you’d survive a day without your best friend, when you’re trying to figure out who you are and what you’re supposed to do with your life, and when falling in love changes everything.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

If you are looking for a book that is emotionally driven, this is your book.  I went through a whole array of emotions while reading this book.  This is a story about self-discovery, friendships and love.

I loved the immediate interest and attraction Emma had when she saw and heard Riley sing.  He spoke to her soul and I loved that.  Riley and Emma share a connection through music but they develop a friendship that expands beyond just music.

Emma was an easy character to relate to.  She seemed very human although maybe just a titch naive.  She doesn't ever expect the worst of people.  Emma has good friends and a good relationship with her brother.  I liked that support system for Emma.  It was good to see Emma grow and strengthen throughout the book.  Her struggles made her stronger.

There is a huge love triangle in this book and love triangles aren't my favorite, but I know they do happen in life and I can accept that.  The resolution of the triangle in this book seemed a bit unrealistic to me though.  

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  It was clean (no swearing or sexual content) and I'm always grateful for that.  I hear the next book in the series is coming out in July so I'll be looking forward to that.

Music Review of Madilyn Paige

This stunning self-titled debut EP features a set of tunes notable for their raw emotion and beautiful soundscapes. Madilyn wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, drawn from her own struggles as a teenager and her heartfelt expressions of the joy she finds in life. The first track, "Irreplaceable," begins with aching introspection and soars to an assurance of self-worth; the following track, "Foolish Game," was written right after Madilyn left the TV show The Voice and gives insight into the inevitability of discouragement in life and the realization that you can rise above the games that people play. An epic movie score string section combines with powerful rhythms on "Undercover," a breathtaking song about overcoming sadness and seeking the light all around you. The final track, "Little Things," playfully reminds us that the little things in life are the source of true joy.

* Deseret Book * Amazon *

Every now and then I get to review music which I love almost as much as I love books.  :)  I was excited to sign on to review this CD.  Even though I don't watch The Voice where Madilyn had her debut, I know a little bit about her journey.  My teenage girls were able to hear Madilyn speak at a gathering for teenagers.  She also performed Irreplaceable for them.  My daughters came home so impressed so when I saw the opportunity to review Madilyn's new CD, I jumped on it!

I popped this CD in my car as I was running around one day.  I listened to it a couple times through and I really enjoyed it.  The messages are all positive and it has a good vibe.  When I got home I brought the CD in with me and set it on the counter.  My daughter saw it when she got home from school and asked if she could listen to it.  I never saw that CD again, but I've heard it almost every day since, playing in the basement.  My girls love this CD.  The CD has 7 tracks with six different songs and one remix.

Unexpected Bonus:  My daughters and I got tickets (thank you Deseret Book!!!) to Madilyn's first concert!  We had such a good time!  Taking my girls to that concert made me the best mom ever.  At least for one night.  :)

So, here is the video for Madilyn's first track, "Irreplaceable".  It has an awesome message for teenagers and adults alike.  It's one of my favorite songs.  I think every teenager should listen to this song.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dosLdLCAED8

Less Than Nothing by R.E. Blake

Sage’s life as a teenage runaway in San Francisco is simple: Snatch a few hours of sleep on park benches and bus stops; dodge perverts, predators, and cops; and make enough as a street musician to eat. But her world flips upside down when she meets Derek – hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent take her breath away.

What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly develops into a cross-country race against time - and awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.

As they travel from coast to coast, Sage and Derek pursue their dream, only to discover that they can never run far enough to escape the demons from their pasts.

The first thing that drew my attention to this book was the musical aspect and the across country travel.  After reading the book, I'd have to say that those two things remain the most appealing.  It was easy to imagine Sage and Derek on the streets of SF, singing and it was easy to imagine them in New York doing the same thing on stage.  The whole road tripping with the truckers was fun.

The backstory for Sage and Derek unravels slowly and gently, bit by bit.  Sometimes I don't love that approach, but for this book it worked.  It gave some good insights on the homeless and circumstances that may have brought them there.  Especially for teenagers.  It kind of breaks my heart.

I felt like the romantic tension in the book fell a little bit flat.  I appreciate that there was no sex in the book but that isn't what I'm talking about.  It's that tension and build up.  Instead of increasing tension, there was a let down, especially in the last third of the book.  I just didn't believe Derek's reasoning for pulling away given his previous actions.

For me, there was too much swearing and profanity.  There was a lot of what I would term, "crass talk" and I'm just not a fan of that.  There is underage drinking and some violence including an attempted rape.

I picked this book up on NetGalley in exchange for a review.  My thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review for them.

You can find "Less Than Nothing" on Amazon.

He Is Risen by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square

The 360 members of this remarkable choir represent men and women from many different backgrounds and professions and range in age from 25 to 60. They reflect a medley of unique lives and experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the choral group known all over the world as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I am a girl who loves music.  Music holds such power- it can fill you with all kinds of emotions.  Memories are attached to music- good and not so good.  Music is a universal language.  Sometimes you just have to let it all out, shake it and get your groove on.  Other times you need music to fill the empty spaces or to let emotion out.  This CD represents the times where my spirit needs to speak; to praise and to remember how blessed I am.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is an amazing group of singers.  The conductors and singers all represent talent and devotion.  This CD is being released just in time for Easter.  Spring is upon us, new life is sprouting and this is the time we remember the death and ressurection of Jesus Christ.  For Christians everywhere, this is a special time of the year.

This CD is shorter than most, only 6 tracks, and is also less expensive.  All the songs are, of course, about Jesus Christ.  It is a spiritual and religious CD.  Although this album is performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, it is not "Mormon" specific but "Christian" specific.  For example, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" was written by Gilbert Martin who dedicated it to his alma mater, Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey in 1968.

My favorite track was "In the Garden".  This was written by Charles Miles who wrote gospel songs.  This song was written in 1912 while Miles sat in a dark room in a cold, windowless basement.  I have always loved this song.  The chorus goes:

And He walks with me,

and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share

As we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

This is the perfect music to fill my home on Easter Sunday.  It feels good and breaths peace and rejoicing to my soul.  I am so grateful for music.

You can purchase "He is Risen" at Amazon, Deseret Book, and I-tunes.

Touching Sky- An LDS Music Review

With a fresh and energizing sound, Stephanie Boyd’s debut album Touching Sky will put a smile on your face and a skip in your step. Unique lyrics, heartfelt vocals and top quality production will inspire and uplift you. With brand new original songs and a novel take on some favorite hymns, this CD will stay with you every day of the week.

Amazon * Google Play * iTunes * Deseret Book

I just have to say right up front that this is one of my new favorite albums.  I'm in love with it.  I've been making a lot of long car rides lately and this album is the one I always pop in first and listen to at least twice.  It's love.

Stephanie Boyd's voice is rich and easy to listen to.  I love the lyrics to her songs.  They are meaningful and uplifting.  You just can't go wrong with messages and music that makes you feel good and remind you of the things that are the most important.  

While I really like all the songs on this album, my favorites are Good for the Soul, Enlisted and Waiting for my Rainbow.  Just talking about it makes me want to listen to it right now!  I hope you will check out the music sampler below and get a feel for the album.  Links for purchase are above.  :)  Music makes me happy.  

Growing up in New York, Stephanie was drawn to the power of music from a young age. While she was originally trained in classical singing, Stephanie always gravitated towards more upbeat and modern music. With her debut album, Touching Sky, Stephanie combines her love of traditional messages with fresh music. Since moving to Utah, Stephanie has worked closely with well-known artists including Jenny Phillips, Tyler Castleton, and Michael McLean. She was also featured soloist with Sally DeFord. She has a master’s degree in environmental science she and her husband have enjoyed building and selling businesses together. Stephanie is married with four children (and one on the way!) and likes to read, garden, run and bake fun birthday cakes.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/9/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard + a Giveaway!

Title: Porcelain Keys

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Pages: 352

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (February 11, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1462113966

ISBN-13: 978-1462113965

Aria's life is full of secrets--secrets about her mother's death, her father's cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart's melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

Porcelain Keys was such a pleasure to read.  It wasn't quite what I was expecting going into it but don't ask me what I was expecting because I don't really know. ha.  Actually, I think I was expecting the usual YA book but what I got was something deeper and more substantial.  This was a tender and emotional story of a girl trying to escape the hurt to find hope, healing and love.

I loved the music aspect of this book.  Music has always been a part of my world and my emotions.  Music has the power to sway your emotions and take you to faraway places.  Aria has a gift within her for music.  She feels the pull to play and when she does, her emotions feed into the music and make it come alive.

Aria is a character you will feel connected to.  She is both vulnerable and strong.  Her tragedies will have you wishing for a happily ever after ending.  There was real depth to Aria and to this whole story.  She has to fight her way out of the darkness that threatens to consume her.  There is something admirable in that.

I walked away from this book feeling satisfied and happy.  Aria's story stayed in my mind well after I had read it.  I love when that happens.

You can purchase Porcelain Keys on Amazon or at Cedar Fort.

SARAH BEARD is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance. She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can follow Sarah on twitter at @authorsarahb, or at facebook.com/authorsarahbeard. Her website is www.sarahbeard.com.

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Sun and Moon by Lee Strauss- Blog Tour, Giveaway and Music!

(Book One in the Minstrel Series)

Coming January 26th! If you’re a fan of the movie Inside, Llewyn Davis, ABC television’s Nashville or Colleen Hoover’s upcoming novel, "Maybe Someday", the Minstrel Series is for you! The Minstrel Series is a collection of contemporary romance novels set in the singer/songwriter world. The books are companion novels, with shared settings and characters, but each are complete standalone stories with a HEA (happily ever after) and no cliffhangers!

Katja Stoltz is a risk-taking singer-songwriter hoping to make it in the indie music scene in Dresden, Germany. Micah Sturm's a brooding uptown banker on a quest. Driven to the streets, Katja is picked up by Micah - but he doesn't want what she thinks he does. There’s an undeniable attraction between them, a gravitational pull they both struggle to resist. Katja knows she mustn’t fall in love with this handsome enigma. There’s something dark lurking beneath the surface. He could be dangerous. And even if her life isn’t on the line, her heart most definitely is. *not erotica - no explicit sex or coarse language

This series is an exciting collaboration between Lee Strauss as an Indie Author and several very talented Indie Singer-Songwriters. Four original songs produced by Norm Strauss are featured in Sun & Moon and are performed by award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Kim McMechan. MP3 links are included at the end. Check out the music video!



All the songs from the Minstrel Series can be found at Bandcamp. The Minstrel Series also has its own Facebook page. Go Like it to follow all the upcoming Minstrel Series news! Pre- orders now available at the pre-release price of 2.99! (Price goes up after launch) itunes | kobo | Barnes & Noble Amazon

I was really looking forward to reading Sun and Moon.  I think it's a cool idea- blending Indie music with books and giving me something fresh and new.  I really, really liked it.  It's like combining my favorite things. 

Katja and Micah's story is a good one.  I loved the pull between them.  Micah is an enigma and I found myself as confused and frustrated as Katja that I didn't know what was going on with him.  One of the things I like best in books is when characters grow up and change  for the better because of hard things that happen.  That happened in this book.  Both Micah and Katja have to let go of secrets and let each other in.

The path of love is never easy.  When you love someone, it's easy to get hurt because you are vulnerable.  It's the classic love story.  I think it's awesome that the author tells us right up front that there is no cliff hangers (THANK YOU) and always a HEA.  (THANK YOU AGAIN).  I think I can handle a series like that.

This was a good book with characters that I felt drawn to.  It left me feeling happy.  Oh, and I loved the setting too.  Germany is a beautiful place and I'd love to visit there one day.  This book made it sound magical.

As far as content, there is no sex or course language as mentioned above by the author.  There is talk about sex and the main character does start out the book with the intention of selling herself on the street for money.  It doesn't happen, but it is talked about.  There is drinking and some mentioned drug use.

About Lee Strauss: Lee Strauss writes romantic mixed genres set in the past, present and future for YA and adult readers. She also writes light and fun stuff as Elle Strauss. She divides her time between BC, Canada and Dresden, Germany, and enjoys drinking coffee and eating chocolate in both places. Find out more at www.ellestraussbooks.com.

Lee is giving away prizes to celebrate the upcoming launch of Sun & Moon. 

Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card, MP3s of all four songs featured on Sun & Moon, and a 12 month calendar from Dresden, Germany featuring many of the settings found in Sun & Moon.

Dresden, Germany

A Music Review of Hudson Lights! And a $25 Giveaway

Hudson Lights Composed of 4 vocal artists from the Rocky Mountains, Hudson Lights creates a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz like you've never heard before! World-class harmonies and consummate showmanship make this an unforgettable music experience. Equal parts thrilling, inspiring, and effortlessly charming, Hudson Lights brings a classy edge back to mainstream pop.

I'm pretty sure this is a first ever on my blog because this blog is all about books!  It's my primary passion.  :)  I do so love music though.  I grew up hearing music all around me.  My parents both love music and that love has been passed down.  I just couldn't pass up the chance to review this music CD.  I was so excited to listen to it.
"Good to Me" is Hudson Lights' debut album.  These four men have a great sound.  I haven't had the chance to hear them sing live yet but hopefully I will someday soon.
The CD was very enjoyable.  It covers a few well known songs that I found myself singing along to.  I liked that there was some familiarity to the CD as well as some songs I wasn't familiar with.  It had just the right amount to keep me humming along and listening. There were all kinds of music genres grooving and I really enjoyed that.  
Mostly I would say that "Good To Me" is just an album that makes you feel good.  It's easy listening.  Happy.  It's an album that I will be listening to over and over.  The "Call Me Maybe" song below will give you a good taste of what the album is like.  I hope you enjoy it!
  HUDSON LIGHTS will release their self-titled debut album November 12, 2013. They released a single, “Good to Me”, on iTunes in September. The group is composed of four male vocal artists from around the country: McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Joseph Moore and Ross Welch. Together they create a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz music. The upbeat album features classic covers of legends like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. They also have several original songs. Bob Ahlander, director of music at Shadow Mountain Records, says “Hudson Lights fills a void in the music scene.” They have already had some notable performances. They debuted at the Marriot Center during the BYU Women’s Conference Concert in May, and placed 2nd in a contest to open for Kelly Clarkson at the STADIUM OF FIRE in June. On November 22nd they’ll perform for a crowd of 10,000 as part of Deseret Book’s “Time Out for Women” event at the Maverik Center. Tickets are available here.  

  "Call Me Maybe"

  Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/24/13
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Tour Schedule