Hold On: Tribute Music of Michael McLean

HOLD ON: 

TRIBUTE MUSIC OF MICHAEL MCLEAN

Eric Robertson, a popular producer in Provo, has brought together an impressive list of talented vocalists to sing on new, fresh productions of classic Michael McLean songs. 

The vocalists include some of the top names from the burgeoning Provo music scene, including Elaine Bradley, from Neon Trees, and Ryan Innes, one of the top contestants on NBC's The Voice. 

Eric grew up listening to Michael McLean songs and still feels a strong connection to them. This album is an effort to pay tribute to those songs and produce them in a way that will speak to a younger generation of LDS youth.

Track List
- Hold On, the Light Will Come feat. Scott Shepard
- Give a Little Bit of Yourself feat. Catherine Leavy
- You're Not Alone feat. Andrew Langdon
- Gentle feat. Drew Danburry
- I Can't Do Everything feat. Brooke White of American Idol
- Homeless feat. Ryan Innes of The Voice
- You've Always Been There for Me feat. Elaine Bradley of Neon Trees
- Share the Joy feat. Severin Bozung
- Be the Joy feat. Eric Robertson
- Promise of Light feat. Adam and Darcie Sanders

**Hear sample songs HERE -- Individual tracks available on iTunes.

My Review

When I saw this CD I thought it was just another Michael McLean CD--OH NO! SO MUCH MORE!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the idea of having today's artist spin their twist on these favorites! 

What a FABULOUS NOTION!

It brings a freshness to the songs we have so loved for so long!

I think this is a FANTASTIC CD and a GREAT TRIBUTE to Michael McLean!

THANK YOU Eric Robertson for your vision :)

Deseret Book is graciously offering a

HOLD ON CD GIVEAWAY

for my followers :)
(USA address only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't want to wait for the giveaway?
You can grab a copy here

The Cokeville Mirace w/DVD Giveaway

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE YET?

On May 16, 1986, in the small, ranching community of Cokeville, Wy, David and Doris Young took an elementary school hostage for several hours before detonating a bomb inside a single classroom that held every teacher and student in the school. In the wake of the madness, Ron Hartley, whose children were inside the classroom, must fight his skepticism and unbelief as he hears eye witness accounts from the students of miraculous, heavenly intervention during the crisis. When tragedy strikes... what do you see? - Written by Excel Entertainment.

My Review

This movie is AMAZING!

So well done!

Cannot even imagine going through something like that--

SO GRATEFUL they are sharing their story!

I have had the opportunity to talk with quite a few survivors now and even the filmmaker TC Christensen-

I am always so touched by their own personal stories-- I also like to learn what grade there were in and who their angel was.

While this movie is about a terrible event I felt that the focus was more on the miracles that took place that protected all of the children and teachers.

I came away feeling very uplifted and inspired.

TC CHRISTENSEN + SURVIVORS SIGNING at DB-Logan

From L-R - TC Christensen (filmmaker), Jeremy (5th grade), Julia (Kindergarten) Brenda (6th grade/sheriff's daughter), Ron Hartley (sheriff)
Jenni (1st grade/ it was her classroom where it all happened) me

Deseret Book

is graciously allowing me to GIVEAWAY

a copy of THE COKEVILLE MIRACLE DVD
(USA address only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't want to wait for the giveaway?
You can grab a copy here

My Home Can Be a Holy Place w/ Jenny Oaks Baker CD Giveaway

A review copy was provided

MY HOME CAN BE A HOLY PLACE

by Kristen M. Oaks

illustrated by Dan Burr
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Separate music CD by Jenny Oaks Baker 
was inspired by the book

About the Book
Lily is a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place.

Through Lily's story, told by Kristen M. Oaks and illustrated by award-winning Latter-day Saint artist Dan Burr, we are invited into Lily's home to share time with her family.

Children will love seeing how Lily and the other children contribute to the spiritual environment of their home through their everyday activities. We seem them praying, working together, eating dinner as a family, reading the scriptures, counseling together to make good decisions, participating in family home evening, sharing the gospel with friends and family, and learning to love one another. They love the Lord and feel His Spirit in their home.

This delightful book shows readers of every age how homes can becomes holy places in which children grow up in the Lord.

Excerpt Pages

About the Music CD

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.

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

The gorgeous track "Love Is Spoken Here" features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

My Review

The book is beautifully put together as you can see and the music is exquisite! 

Each bring a peace to your home and a tenderness to your heart!

The theme behind both is that you too can have a holy home if you follow some sound principles.

From the book you learn that in order to have a holy home you need a home:

 of prayer

where we celebrate traditions 

where we work together

where we love the scriptures

blessed by priesthood power

where we eat meals together

of faith

an a little more--

Through ideas, scriptures, and thoughts from Church leaders this book gives you a multitude of ideas on how to make your home a holy place.

I LOVE that a CD was created with inspiration from the book! What a GREAT IDEA! It is so beautiful and calming--

This book and/or CD would make a GREAT gift for your family or a family you cherish! Feel the love in your home by making it a holy place.

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

Deseret Book has graciously offered the

JENNY OAKS BAKER CD 

as a GIVEAWAY for one of my followers :)

(USA address only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Kristen McMain Oaks has spent much of her life teaching. She earned a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in special education (both from the University of Utah), and a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Brigham Young University. She was a former educational consultant in the publishing industry, instructing teachers and supervisors both nationally and internationally. She was also a Visiting Assistant Professor at BYU and served a full-time mission to Japan. After marrying Elder Dallin H. Oaks, she taught and trained auxiliaries in the Philippines for two years while he served as Area President. She currently serves on the board of trustees of the Deseret International Foundation and the Primary Children's Hospital and recently authored the book, A Single Voice. In addition to her love of teaching, she loves being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband reside in Utah.

About the Illustrator

DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master's degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children's books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.

About the Musician

Grammy Nominated Artist Jenny Oaks Baker is one of America's most accomplished violinists. She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York City and her bachelor's degree in violin performance from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

She has released twelve albums since 1998. They consistently chart on Billboard, including the #1 spot on the Top Classical Albums chart. Her album Wish Upon a Star earned a nomination for the 54th GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

Jenny Oaks Baker has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with the Jerusalem Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Utah Symphony, and the internationally acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Jenny performed as a first violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra for seven years before resigning to devote more time to her young family. Jenny and her husband Matthew have four children.

Special Note

The website www.HomeCanBeAHolyPlace.com is designed to be a living document. It develops the themes introduced in the book and is enriched by contributions from reader to reinforce teachings, expand ideas, and inspire children and parents to make their home a holy place.

   

Meet The Book Artisan w/ Book Art Giveaway

About The Book Artisan - I've been a book lover my whole life! The idea to start re-purposing older books as decorative displays began after I folded books for decorations for a family wedding. As a lifelong lover of books, I thought these folded book decorations were the cutest thing ever! Seeing other people’s delighted reactions to the books only encouraged me to share them more.

When I started getting unique requests for different designs to fold, I realized the sky’s the limit with the kind of books you can create. I love seeing the creativity from everyone! I’ve made everything from Don Quixote-themed designs, to phrases formed from multiple books. Who knows what’s next…maybe a marriage proposal using book art?

When I’m not handcrafting beautiful book décor, I’m probably reading a book, buying books, or loving life with my amazing husband and two adorable boys.

Enough about me, though. I'd love to hear from you! Drop me a quick note here and tell me your story. Wherever life has taken you, I'd love to craft a unique, folded book specifically for you! Or if you haven't already, check out our selection of books.

HANDCRAFTED BOOK ART

We take old books and turn them into beautiful pieces of art. Each page of the book is folded by hand to create unique designs. The result is beautiful book decor that can be displayed anywhere!

We have an assortment of all kinds of different book designs. We're constantly adding new book designs to this collection so be sure to check back often. If you have an idea for a book that you don't see here, just submit it through our custom order form and we'll make it for you! Click HERE for book pricing.

Scroll through these amazing pictures

and then enter to win "you & me" :)

The Book Artisan has graciously offered a FOLDED BOOK GIVEAWAY

for one of my followers :)
(USA addresses only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Legend of Dust Bunnies a Fairy's Tale w/ Book + Dust Bunny Giveaway

A review copy was provided

The Legend of Dust Bunnies a Fairy's Tale
by Michelle R. Eastman
illustrated by Kevin Richter

This is not a typical fairy tale, and Artie is not a typical fairy.

Artie is a misfit. His fellow Dust Fairies have a knack for dirtying people’s houses. They fire soot from their slingshots and enter crumb-spitting contests. While we sleep, they spread dust everywhere.

Artie doesn’t make messes. He has a unique habit of collecting things. The other Dust Fairies don’t appreciate Artie’s collection of tidbits, so he spends his nights alone.

One cold night, Artie’s loneliness leads to inspiration, and he creates something legendary.

His story will have families looking at Dust Bunnies in a new light and may actually give kids an excuse NOT to clean their rooms.

Artie’s story helps kids realize that we all have unique gifts and not everyone fits in with the crowd.

Making of the Book Video

 
My Review

I love these quotes from the author:

"Slingshot wielding fairies? Why not?"

"When life hands you dust-make dust bunnies!"

"May Your Dreams Never Get Dusty"

As you can tell this author is fantastic with words...and this book shows it perfectly!

FAIRIES! 

DUST! 

CRUMB-SPITTING CONTESTS! 

SOOT-LOADED SLINGSHOTS!

FANCY SPIDER WEB CAPES!

CREATIVITY!
BUNNIES!
FUN!

This book has it all-- and a lesson too about being true to oneself and being unique.

LOVED IT!

FANTASTIC pictures keep you intrigued as you flitter through the night with these special house guests :)

Michelle has graciously offered a 

BOOK + DUST BUNNY GIVEAWAY

for one of my followers :)

(US Address only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Michelle Eastman began her career as an elementary teacher in the West Des Moines School District. At Iowa Public Television, she wrote educational content for teachers and students in more than two-hundred Iowa school districts.

Her dream to publish a children's picture book began on a "fairy-wing" and a prayer. With the encouragement of friends and family, she's living her dream as a children's author.

When she's not chasing dust bunnies, or her two cats, she likes to cuddle up with a good book and her son. Michelle lives with her husband and son, in Waukee, Iowa. Visit her at www.michelleeastmanbooks.com

About the Illustrator

Kevin Richter has always drawn, doodled, painted and scribbled. He loves it so much that he makes a living doing it. He lives wit his wife and their two sons in the beautiful English town of Toyal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Visit Kev at www.kevtoon.com

GET INVOLVED
Michelle is the founder of the literacy initiative, Picture Book Pass it On https://www.facebook.com/PBPiO/ which encourages people to donate new or gently used books to kids in need.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2/3 of kids in poverty don't own a book. Let's fix that! 

#1 Pledge to donate a new or gently used picture book/s to a children’s charity in your area.

#2 Post your pledge on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PBPiO . Share it on your blog and on social media. Please include our badge and #PBPiO.

#3 Pass it on. When you post about your pledge, challenge one or more friends to join your #PBPiO giving chain. Encourage them to take the pledge and keep passing it on…

Oh, and be sure to share your giving story on our Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/PBPiO . We love to see how books are reaching kids all over the globe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michelle also supports  Storybook Project

VNS of Iowa's Storybook Project recruits, screens and trains volunteers to work with incarcerated parents and/or grandparents at the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women (ICIW) in Mitchellville, Iowa and the Newton Correctional Release Center (CNRC) in Newton, Iowa. Once per month, volunteers work with the mother, grandmother or father. The parent/grandparent and volunteer choose a book from the Storybook library that is appropriate for the child. The parent or grandparent reads the book while the volunteer records the reading onto a digital voice recorder. The book and CD are mailed to the child. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to the Storybook Project, call 515-288-1516.

Your book donations may be mailed to:
VNS of Iowa, Storybook Project
1111 9th Street Suite 320
Des Moines, Iowa 50314

Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin w/ Giveaway Package

A review copy was provided

WALLY THE WARM-WEATHER PENGUIN

by Stephanie M. Ward

illustrated by Vanessa Landin

Wally is an Emperor Penguin from Antarctica who isn't exactly like the other penguins. Wally is always cold and dreams of life on a tropical island. When Wally learns about a place that is always sunny and warm, he sets sail for the Galapagos Islands and discovers an amazing world of tap-dancing crabs, racing hundred-year-old tortoises and diving birds with bright blue feet. With clever rhyming text and brilliant, colorful illustrations, children will love visiting the Galapagos Islands with Wally and his memorable friends.

My Review

What a DARLING book!

Not only is it fun to read, but you learn along the way.

Adorable pictures will capture any audience and the story has a little humor to it too :)

I highly recommend this book!

Perfect to read to a child-- or to have an older child read it to you!

A book the whole family will love!

The author has graciously offered a

BOOK + CANVAS TOTE + POST CARDS 
GIVEAWAY for my followers :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Stephanie has been writing in various forms for the last 20 years. After traveling around the world for a year, visiting all seven continents and over 30 countries, Stephanie decided to focus on writing stories for children about amazing places around the world. Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin, A Galapagos Islands Story is her first children’s book.

Stephanie has worked in public relations and marketing for Fortune 100 companies in the U.S. and France. In addition, she has written travel articles for various outlets and was a contributor to the book Tana’s Habitat: The Ultimate Guide to Finding, Affording and Styling Your First Place. Due to ever-present wanderlust, Stephanie has lived in San Francisco, New York, Seattle and Paris. Currently, she and her family are based in Sydney, Australia.

Amazon / Website / Facebook / Related Activities

About the Illustrator

Vanessa is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her creative work on Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin has brought the animal characters from both Ecuador and Antarctica to life in a distinctly modern, yet warm and thoughtful way.

Her vast skills as an artist have contributed to many projects for PROECUADOR, POLIGRÁFICA C.A. and Enjoy Media Group. For more information and samples of Vanessa’s broad range of designs and illustrations, visit http://www.elance.com and view her portfolio of work.

Every Day a Hope w/ Book Giveaway

A review copy was provided

EVERY DAY A HOPE

by Marci M. Matthews

I have tried and tired to be a journal writer...
But I confess...I am a little awed by all the blank pages.

So when I saw this "interactive journal" I jumped at a change to take a look!

WOW! It is AMAZING! SO. SO. SO. GOOD!

This book is FOR YOU!

YOU do what you want with it...

Written in black and white for you to ADD color OR NOT.

Each page has a story, quote, thought, or writing prompt to help you think about your life...

Especially empowering for those who are going through a hard or dark time.

Just read a page or two...it's up to you.

Tear out a page and post it on the wall or mirror or refrigerator.

Write your thoughts to the margins.

Read, write, color, scribble, tear, paint, make lists...

Do whatever brings out your confidence.

We all have things we are dealing with...big things and little things...

These pages will make you smile, cry, contemplate, hope, dream, and HEAL.

GET A COPY FOR ALL YOUR FRIENDS

THIS BOOK IS TRULY AMAZING!

The Author has graciously offered
a BOOK GIVEAWAY for my followers :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Marci M. Matthews is an author, artist, philanthropist, and Certified Advocate. A survivor of child abuse and sexual assault, she is the founder of the Grace Initiative Foundation Tree, a charitable organization dedicated to the healing and prevention of sexual violence.

In 2013, Marci received the RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) HOPE award for Fighting Sexual Violence and Helping Survivors.

Fun Facts about Marci Matthews, author of Every Day a Hope

1) I have a pet sloth named Speedy– she’s not as friendly as most sloths, but she’s super cute.

2) My beautiful dog, the Loch Ness Monster, weighs 140 pounds, which is more than a baby giraffe weighs.

3) I’ve played Scrabble or Words With Friends with the same three people for nearly twenty years.

4) I rebuilt a motorcycle by myself. I made it look like a steampunk bike. I love it, but I’m afraid to ride it.

5) Where I grew up, the nearest McDonald’s was two and a half hours away, so it was a huge treat for us.

6) I have read more than 10,000 books.

7) I own six acres on the moon, and I have mining rights.

8) I love both playing and inventing games, especially games that involve the floor being lava.

9) When I was thirteen, I rode in a glider (plane with no engine) and the pilot did nose dives, flips, and other stunts. It was spectacular.

10) At one point in my life I lived in the mountains, and I regularly woke to find wild animals outside my window including, elk, moose, coyotes, wolves, bears, buffalo, rattle snakes, horses, cows and prairie dogs.

Sample Pages from the Book

Unselfish: Love Thy Neighbor As Thy Selfie w/ Book Giveaway

A review copy was provided

UNSELFISH:

Love Thy Neighbor As Thy Selfie

compiled by Paul D. Parkinson

Everyone is trying to get noticed. 

Selfies are taking over the internet.

Selfish behavior seems to be at an all time high. But there are people who do UNSELFISH things everyday.

Acts of kindness that no one notices. Extraordinary sacrifices that don't go viral.

This book celebrates just a few of the unsung stories of regular people and celebrities alike going against the grain and helping their fellow man.

Unselfish will reignite your faith in humanity and may just inspire you to "love thy neighbor as thy selfie."

99 inspiring stories of people putting others before themselves-

Fantastic photos throughout make this the ideal showcase book.

My Review

One day, not too long ago, I had the opportunity to just sit and watch people. I had many, many things to do and many, many books to review...but I decided to take this moment to be in the present...to share with those around me. It was there that I firmly decided that the final judgement will not be so much about what we did, but how we treated other people.

This book shows just that! 

Amazing examples of love and service!

Beautiful stories of helping another without having to take a "selfie" in doing so.

Each story is only a few paragraphs making it easy to pick up, read a little, put down, pick up, read a little more...although once you start reading it won't be easy to put down :)

And the messages will stay with you for a very long time!

Your heart will be touched!

"The key is to act--do something,  just like the people in this book. 
It requires only action. Let us all live to make life less difficult for each other" - Paul D. Parkinson

AMAZON / DESERT BOOK /ADD TO GOODREADS

UNSELFISHSTORIES.COM / FACEBOOK

The author is graciously offering a

BOOK GIVEAWAY for one of my followers :)

(US address only Please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author
As President of Gradual Elevate Media, Paul wrote the story for and oversaw the production of the feature film, "Nowhere Safe" – a movie that addresses the issue of cyberbullying. Paul's work is in media that positively affects society and culture. He and his wife Rebecca have 6 children.

Sample Stories from the Book

"Street Medicine": 23 years ago, Dr. Jim Withers of Pittsburgh Mercy Health System stepped out of the comforts of the hospital to care for the homeless and needy. Since then, over 10,000 people have been treated on the streets. Read Jim's full story on page 146 of "Unselfish".

One of the stories in "Unselfish" is about Liz Howell, who in spite of losing her husband on 9-11, rose from the pain and sorrow and dedicated her life to service. Liz is shown below, caring for a child during the Haiti earthquake. As we see what is happening in Nepal now, we are grateful for people like Liz and so many others who serve so unselfishly during natural disasters.

Four years ago, a tornado destroyed Cottons Service Center in Ringgold, GA. A competitor's service center down the street, Teter and Company, was unaffected. Then something unheard of happened: Teter and Company took their competitor in, and allowed him to set-up shop right on-site with them. Read the entire story in "UNSELFISH".

Part of the proceeds from Unselfish will be donated to the Cambodian Children’s Fund, a charity started 10 years ago by former Hollywood executive Scott Neeson, who left the Hollywood lifestyle to save children and families in Cambodia. His organization now cares for more than 17,000 people annually...Scott’s story is included in the book.