Monica Foster Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 281.324.2180 – Office 713.446.8815 – Cell 281.333.3507 – Main [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
The Naked Truth: Hollywood’s Secrets Unveiled
Los Angeles, CA – Award winning costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorléac pulls back the fitting room curtains as well as the doors to the executive suites of Hollywood from 1973 to 1985, in an uproarious account, The Naked Truth, covering the end of classic glamour.
In the ‘70s the corporations started buying out the dying studios that couldn’t combat television’s sudden appeal. Soon the glitter faded from big-budget productions when the economy forced the new moguls to buy independents films for next to nothing.
This very funny and quite fortuitous success story spans 12 years of copious Hollywood productions. The splashy tales are filled with entertaining confrontations involving glamour, politics, graft, sex, scandal, and heretofore, untold tales of the glitter and tinsel capital’s assets being sold off by the new capitalist.
About the Author Hollywood costume designer, Jean-Pierre Dorléac, is no stranger to the film industry. Acclaimed for his award-winning costume designs, his creative talents can be seen in Somewhere in Time, The Blue Lagoon, Battlestar Gallactica, The Valley of the Dolls, Knightrider, Quantum Leap and Sci-Fi.
For more, please visit: https://www.jean-pierredorleac.com
The Naked Truth by Jean-Pierre Dorléac Publisher: Monad Books ISBN: 0974551111 Release date: May 3, 2015 Available nationwide at independent and major book stores, Amazon.com and www.jean-pierredorleac.om.
Whole Body Reboot: The Peruvian Super Foods Diet To Detoxify, Energize, And Supercharge Fat Loss By Manuel Villacorta
What exactly is the Super Food Incan diet, and what makes eating the Peruvian way so beneficial?
San Francisco, CA – In his third book Whole Body Reboot: The Peruvian Super Foods Diet to Detoxify, Energize, and Supercharge Fat Loss (HCI Books/Dec 2014 $18.95), Manuel Villacorta lays out the important elements that make his dieting plan a well-seasoned recipe for long-lasting health.
Super food refers to foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients.
“Superfood” is not just a buzz-word or a passing vogue; it’s the integral component to leading a healthy lifestyle, a word many of us are recognizing by the minute. As these once obscure products find broader distribution and consumers have greater access, super foods are finding their way into mainstream supermarkets, gradually becoming a staple to the American diet. The benefits of consuming Peruvian super foods are astonishing: from fighting cancer and reducing inflammation to boosting energy and enhancing memory – these foods have it all.
In his Peruvian super foods diet, Villacorta provides simple yet thorough explanations of weight-loss, anti-aging, and disease-fighting concepts by using an appealing page layout displaying beautiful color photography, easy-to-read bullet points, and sidebars summarizing each health benefit.
What makes Villacorta’s book so enticing, aside from his mouth-watering recipes, is that he offers specific meal plans geared towards both men and women looking to lose weight and lead a healthier life. He has also created custom 7-day meal plans for vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and gluten-free diet preferences. By using the core principles from his first book, Eating Free, and referencing his second book Peruvian Power Foods, Villacorta proves to his readers that they can successfully follow a super-health weight-loss plan, easily gain the skill in cooking from scratch, dine with elegance, and reduce everyday stress.
Among the myriad of recipes offered in Whole Body Reboot, here are two samples:
Day 1: Red Reboot Red represents energy, strength, power and courage, according to color psychology. Red fruits and vegetables are rich in lycopene and anthocyanins, powerful phyto-chemicals that possess the characteristic red pigment. Lycopene and anthocyanins are linked with:
• Reduced risk of certain cancers • Heart, lung, and urinary tract health • Improved memory • Ability to ward off infection
Ingredients for 1 Serving
1 ½ cups Strawberries, fresh or frozen ½ cup Tomato ½ cup Cooked Beets 1 tablespoon Chia seeds 1 teaspoon Camu Camu powder* ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon 1 cup Coconut water 20-25g protein, Protein powder (rice, pea, or whey)
*Note: Camu Camu is a Peruvian super food that provides therapeutic levels of vitamin C in its natural form. Refer to Appendix C to find where to buy camu camu. If you choose not to purchase camu camu, skip this ingredient. Another great alternative to include a Peruvian super food with Camu Camu is to add a shot of youthH2O.
1. Put all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Add tap water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Note: if making the smoothie the night before, the chia seeds will absorb some of the water and it could thicken the smoothie. No worries; just add more tap water the next day and shake or stir the smoothie to the desired consistency.
Per Serving: Kcal 349, Protein 31g, Carb 48g, Fat 5g, Sodium 327mg, Dietary Fiber 15g Daily Value: Fiber 58%, Vit C 1429%, Vit A 18%, Vit D 0%, Calcium 20%, Iron 47%
Recipe may be reprinted with the following credit: Recipe from Whole Body Reboot by Manuel Villacorta / HCI Books/December 2014 – ISBN: 9780757318214
Butter Beans a La Parmesan
Servings 8 / Serving Size: 1 Cup
My Mom used to make a dish using butter beans, called “pallares” in Spanish. This dish is inspired by my mom. I love her cooking! She tasted my version, said I did her justice, and gave me her blessing to share this dish with you. Buen provecho!
2 Cups Butter Beans 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1 Medium Yellow Onion, diced 4 Cloves Garlic, sliced 1 Tablespoon Oregano 8 Cups Vegetable Stock 1 Cup Dry Sherry Salt and Pepper ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1. Put the beans in a stockpot and cover them with 3 inches of water. Let them soak for 4 hours. Drain the beans in a colander, discarding the water.
2. Transfer the beans back to the stockpot and cover with 3 inches of water. Bring them to a boil over medium heat. Drain the beans in a colander, discarding the water (this process helps remove the oxalates in beans that are responsible for gastrointestinal discomfort).
3. Using the same pot, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions, garlic, and oregano. Sauté until the onions begin to soften.
4. Add the beans, stock, and sherry to the pot and bring to a boil. Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat, and cook at a simmer for about an hour or until the beans are soft. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Per Serving: Kcal 188g, Protein 9g, Carb 16g, Fat 6g, Sodium 874.5mg, Dietary Fiber 3.5g Daily Values: Fiber 14%, Vit C 3%, Vit A 2%, Vit D 5 1%, Calcium 22%, Iron 10%
Recipe may be reprinted with the following credit: Recipe from Whole Body Reboot by Manuel Villacorta / HCI Books/December 2014 – ISBN: 9780757318214
About Manuel Villacorta:
Health is not a diet plan, but a lifestyle. Understand your body, your strengths, and your limits and use this knowledge to make a change. Stop dieting, start living. — Manuel Villacorta
A nationally recognized, award-winning registered dietitian with more than 16 years of experience as a nutritionist, Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D., is a respected and trusted voice in the health and wellness industry. He is the founder of Eating Free, an international weight management and wellness program, and one of the leading weight loss and nutrition experts in the country. He is the author of Eating Free: The Carb-Friendly Way to Lose Inches, Embrace Your Hunger, and Keep the Weight off for Good (HCI, May 2012) and Peruvian Power Foods: 18 Super foods, 101 Recipes, and Anti-aging Secrets from the Amazon to the Andes (HCI, October 2013).
Manuel served as a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2010-2013), and currently acts as a health blog contributor for The Huffington Post, an on-air contributor to the Univision television network, and a health and lifestyle contributor for Fox News Latino. Manuel is the owner of San Francisco-based private practice, MV Nutrition and the recipient of five ‘‘Best Bay Area Nutritionist’’ awards from the San Francisco Chronicle, ABC7 and Citysearch.
His warm, approachable style and his bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish have made him an in-demand health and nutrition expert on local and national television and radio channels, as well as in articles appearing in print publications and online. Manuel is a compelling, charismatic speaker.
Manuel has acted as a media representative for food companies such as Foster Farms, Eggland’s Best “California Latino 5-A-Day Program” and “Got Milk.” He is now the chief of public relations and spokesperson for the Pichuberry Company.
Houston, TX – The power of music is legendary. Not too long ago, one musician decided to ask the question – and then set out to find the answer by traveling the globe: can music help bridge gaps between people? The answer proved a resounding “yes,” and for proof author Osseily Hanna offers his fascinating book, Music and Coexistence: A Journey across the World in Search of Musicians Making a Difference (Rowman & Littlefield Publishing).
What at first seemed a simple question soon proved not so simple. “Musicians from across the world helped me get closer to answering this question,” says Osseily Hanna, the author. “I wanted to find musicians who break boundaries and traditional modes of thinking to create a ray of hope.”
He found them building bridges through music in a world where animosities are all too visible. “On everyone’s mind presently are conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and between Russia and Ukraine, but we know these will keep shifting. This past summer it was Gaza; before then it was Darfur. What I’m tapping is something bigger, looking at the ways music breaks down the walls nations and sometimes even communities work so hard to erect.”
Music and Coexistence explores the courageous work of musicians who compose and perform with their ostensible enemies or in extraordinary social situations. Hanna documents the political and economic constraints faced by musicians, from the wall that encloses a refugee camp in Jerusalem, to the tensions among KFOR and Carabinieri peacekeepers who keep Serbs and Kosovar Albanians apart, to the cultural and linguistic suppression that afflicts minority communities in Turkey.
Hanna talks to the individuals and groups at the forefront of the effort to bridge ethnic, cultural, and religious divisions. Featuring musicians from thirteen different countries and territories across five continents, Hanna’s story includes a remarkable cadre of performers. These include the musicians who comprise Heartbeat, a group of Israeli and Palestinian youth, who compose, record, and perform music together; the Albino musicians of Tanzania, who regularly combat persecution by local shamans; the multiracial and thriving samba musicians in Sao Paolo, and a former child soldier from Cambodia who seeks to revive traditional music following the genocide in the 1970s.
With photos taken by the author during his travels, this work is a remarkable intersection of world music and peace studies. It will open the eyes and the hearts of every musician and music lover who recognizes music as a universal language. The companion film was recently screened at the Amnesty International Film Festival in Vancouver.
Osseily Hanna was born in London, where he began violin lessons at the age of eight and played with the North London Symphony Orchestra in 2005. He gave up a successful career in global financial markets in 2011 to develop Music and Coexistence as a film and book project. Fluent in English and Spanish, he has also studied Arabic, French, Italian, and Turkish.
For more information, please visit: www.musicandcoexistence.com
Music and Coexistence: A Journey across the World in Search of Musicians Making a Difference Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Available December 16, 2014, online from Barnes & Noble and Amazon and other fine booksellers 978-1-4422-3753-7 (Hardback) $40.00 978-1-4422-3754-4 (eBook) $39.99
“One of the best meditation guides in years. Clear, uncomplicated, inspiring, and straight from the heart of a true expert who’s been there. Highly recommended.” ~ Larry Dossey, MD, author of Healing Words
Minneapolis, MN, – Among primers on meditation, Meditation as a Way of Life: Philosophy and Practice Rooted in the Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda is unique in that it uses the universally applicable teachings of Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda to guide readers who treasure inner growth and are looking for reliable direction for how to achieve it in an authentic and sustainable way, offering specific, time-tested principles and how-to exercises for cultivating the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of a meditation-based spiritual life from a classical yogic perspective.
Rev. Alan L. Pritz, a disciple of Yogananda, distills the teachings of many other spiritual traditions and religions, including Christianity, into an interfaith perspective that will appeal to all seekers of the Divine. Specific elements include foundations of spiritual practice; benefits of energy-building exercises, affirmations, and healthy life-style regimens; instructions in mantra practice and inner-sound meditation; techniques for effective prayer; and guidelines to measure inner practice.
Throughout the narrative, Rev. Pritz adds touching and sometimes humorous personal stories, speaking to the reader authentically as a fellow practitioner rather than a master or guru. He concludes the book with an appendix that contains a discussion about the differences and similarities between spirituality and religion.
The accessible narrative and universal themes in Meditation as a Way of Life make it enjoyable to read and life-enhancing to apply.
Rev. Alan Pritz is an Interfaith Minister, meditation teacher, spiritual counselor / life coach and consultant who’s trained in and taught inner sciences for over 40 years. Inspired by the universally applicable teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, Rev. Alan helps individuals and organizations address spiritual growth or work/life issues from a higher perspective framework. He also leads Sunday Morning Meditation Services in Minneapolis. For more information about his activities visit: www.awake-in-life.com.
Meditation as a Way of Life: Philosophy and Practice Rooted in the Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda By Alan L. Pritz Published by Quest Books ISBN 978-0-8356-0928-9 $17.95 paperback 288 pages To order online: http://tinyurl.com/nte9lqg
Callista Gingrich announces the release of From Sea to Shining Sea (Regnery Kids), the fourth volume in her New York Times bestselling Ellis the Elephant series.
A patriotic American history introduction for young children, From Sea to Shining Sea follows an adorable elephant named Ellis in exploring the early years of the United States and the epic journey west into uncharted territory with Lewis and Clark. Charming rhymes and beautiful illustrations make the 50th reading as fun as the first, for children as well as adults!
In earlier books, Sweet Land of Liberty, Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, and Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis, the time-traveling pachyderm, learns about pivotal moments that shaped America. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, From Sea to Shining Sea will delight those who want to know how brave Americans forged a growing nation and spread freedom from coast to coast.
Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt─ a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives─host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World.
Mrs. Gingrich is also the co-author of Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny. Her photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller Rediscovering God in America. An avid musician, she sings in the Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and plays French horn with the City of Fairfax Band in Fairfax, Virginia. She resides in McLean, Virginia with her husband, Newt Gingrich.
For more, please visit the website: www.EllisTheElephant.com
From Sea to Shining Sea Regnery Kids Available October 13, 2014 at independent and major book stores across the country including Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Amazon.com $14.99 ISBN-13: 978-1621572534
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Michael Taube, Washington Times: “Callista Gingrich has created one of the most impressive children’s book series in recent years. Her love for her country can be seen in every footstep Ellis takes in these three memorable volumes. As this small elephant discovers U.S. history, young children will never forget his great adventures.”
Kevin K: “Callista has found a great avenue to teach children about America. These books tell the unique history of our country and bring to life personalities and events in a way that is extremely appealing. This series is a gift to our children.”
John Longshore: “Delightful.…clear and easy to read and teaches history in a way a young child can understand and enjoy…educational at both the child and adult level. It is always good to be reminded of the facts of our nation’s history…”
Katie K.: “I love that Callista Gingrich has taken the time to write American history for children. I read these books to my nieces and nephews when we are together and they love to hear the story….it gives us a way to open up the conversation about the greatness of our America, and why we are here….a great gift to the younger generation…and you will ENJOY the time reading this book to them.”
BOOK TOUR:
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. BARNES AND NOBLE TUCSON/EASTSIDE 5130 E. BROADWAY TUCSON, AZ 85711 520-512-1166
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. BARNES AND NOBLE PIMA & SHEA SCOTTSDALE FIESTA SHOPPING CENTER 10500 N. 90th STREET SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258 480-391-0048
Friday, October 24, 2014 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. DOYLESTOWN BOOKSHOP 16 S. MAIN STREET DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901 215-230-7610
Saturday, October 25, 2014 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE 1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD. LYNCHBURG, VA 24502 434-582-2316
Monday, October 27, 2014 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. BARNES AND NOBLE CREEKWALK VILLAGE 801 WEST 15th STREET SUITE E PLANO, TX 75075 972-422-3372
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. BLUE WILLOW BOOKSHOP 14532 MEMORIAL DRIVE HOUSTON, TX 77079
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. BARNES AND NOBLE OAK PARK MALL 11323 W. 95TH STREET OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214 913-492-8187
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. BARNES AND NOBLE 3055 SOUTH GLENSTONE SPRINGFIELD, MO 65804 417-885-0026
Monday, November 3, 2014 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. THE VENETIAN WATERFALL ATRIUM & GARDENS OF THE PALAZZO 3355 LAS VEGAS BLVD SOUTH LAS VEGAS, NV 89109 702-414-1000
Wednesday, November 5, 2014 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. BARNES AND NOBLE BETHESDA 4801 BETHESDA AVENUE BETHESDA, MD 20814 301-986-1761
If You Give A Donkey the White House: Political Satire for the Soul
Political satire can be traced back throughout history. Wherever there has been organized government it’s been a source of entertainment for people needing to vent their frustration with elected officials. Fast forward to the 21st century and not much has changed; in fact, political satire outlets have risen in popularity in recent years. David E. Levine’s colorfully illustrated new book, If You Give a Donkey the White House (Dog Ear Publishing), will have right-leaning readers in hysterics from beginning to end!
If You Give a Donkey the White House, modeled after Laura Numeroff’s vastly popular children’s series If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, is riddled with wit and loaded with sarcasm. Levine’s book blends political humor into a meaningful story with a clear and indisputable message: “People need to be careful where they put their trust because even one well-intentioned act can create a chain of events that leads to disastrous results!”
The story begins with a boy and his dog opening the gates of the White House to let in an arrogant donkey, believing it’s a good idea. “Unfortunately, once the donkey gets in,” says Levine, “he’ll want to expand the government and in no time at all, the boy gets taken on a misguided adventure that ruins his life.”
If you Give a Donkey the White House is a witty and engaging parody that “makes fun of those who think government is the solution to every problem and illustrates the potential for dire consequences when we put our hope and trust in those who seek to increase the role of government in our lives,” says Levine. Using colorful illustrations, the author shows how the initial action by a child dealing with an animal leads to a direct unforeseen end result, which then leads to another unforeseen outcome, and so on until it makes full circle and the title character finds himself right back in the same place he started!
What makes bashing bureaucracy so popular? If we went back to the oldest example of political satire around 400 BC and asked Aristophanes, there’s a very good chance that his answer would be the same today: It’s entertaining, and it’s a satisfying outlet that provides a good chuckle at the expense of government blunders.
David Levine lives with his wife and four children in New Jersey, where he finds ample opportunity to make fun of donkeys.
For more information, please visit: http://www.ifyougiveadonkeythewhitehouse.com/
Available at Amazon.com and all major online outlets If You Give a Donkey the White House By David Levine Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing Language: English ISBN-10: 1457530279 ISBN-13: 978-1457530272
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TIP SHEET
Excerpt of Amazon 5-star review: “If you Give a Donkey the White House is absolutely hysterical and had me laughing out loud from start to finish. This wry parody presented in the form of a children’s storybook is a savagely funny political satire and critique on the current state of affairs in Washington. This is a brilliant idea executed with finesse by the author…and is accompanied by uproarious illustrations. If you suffer from acute Obama fatigue, this may not cure you, but it will certainly make you feel much better…a great gift that will be greatly appreciated by politically inclined friends looking for some comedic relief in these troubled times.”
Julia Colbert Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 281.333.3507 office [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
Sarah Kelly, two-time Grammy nominee, continues to win accolades on the release of “My Corner of Heaven” (September, 2014).
Her most recent album is the most powerful combination yet of her faith and talent. Produced by Jonas Ekman and Jeremy Hunter, it blends classic rock sounds, contemporary pop notions and worshipful moments. The album takes the listener on a ride with throwback sounds, unbridled passion, deep worship and overall, true singer-songwriter material.
The title track, “My Corner of Heaven,’” paints a picture of the hereafter as it would be in a rock musician’s dreams: having a classic rock band play worship from the heart. “It’s not theologically correct and it’s not supposed to be,” says Kelly with a smile.
“It’s a little laugh for those who love rock ’n’ roll and God. To us, a guitar solo is worship when you’re doing it for the glory of God.” A line from the title track captures the essence: ““We’ll sing a Hendrix Hallelujah, with David’s heart, but Joplin’s tone….”
Kelly first turned heads with her raspy vocals and intense passion in both her rock and worship music. Beginning with the Grammy-nominated “Take Me Away,” she continues to produce a string of buzz-worthy albums that have sold over 250.000 units worldwide.
Kelly is also deeply committed to her work teaching songwriting and helping a new generation of artists discover and grow their talents. With 250 students and an internship program at the Sarah Kelly Music School, Kelly divides most of her time between touring, her home church and her students.
Capitol Christian Music Group CEO Bill Hearn will visit the Sarah Kelly Music School November 3rd, an opportunity for promising young musicians ages 7-25 to showcase their musical and songwriting talents. The Sarah Kelly Music School offers a creative approach to music education, at the Woodlands and through a series of online classes. They teach songwriting, guitar, vocals and piano, and students record demos every six weeks as part of their instruction.
Learn more about Sarah Kelly at her website: www.sarahkelly.com
“My Corner of Heaven” Released September 2014 Christian Rock $9.99 available on all major digital outlets including iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-corner-of-heaven/id911621976
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TIP SHEET
Bert Gangl: “…the new record, more than anything else, points to a star whose talent remains undimmed with the passing of time and whose best and most memorable work almost certainly lies ahead of her.
“‘Unescapable’ helps cement the long-standing comparisons to Alanis Morissette, while the equally rocking follow-on cut, ‘Legends (The Real You),’ would almost surely have given mid-’80s Heart power ballads like “What About Love” and “Alone” a run for their money… At the softer end of the spectrum, entries like ‘You Know Me’ highlight Kelly’s undeniable proficiency with purely pop material. And the Janis Joplin-esque vocals on the absolutely consummate piano-driven ‘Just As You Please’ add just the right amount of roughness to the piece’s otherwise hushed, reverent tones – the likes of which should be required listening for any artist seeking to craft a worship-oriented release.”
Praise for Sarah Kelly’s earlier work:
Bert Gangl: “…Her propensity for melodic, bracing rock with just the right amount of pop sheen immediately caught on with critics and the public at large, pulling down a Grammy nomination in the Rock Gospel category in the process…”
J. Lee Harshbarger: “…truly amazing….her voice immediately reminded me of Janis Joplin, and…Joan Osborne. Another reviewer offered a comparison in vocal quality to Alanis Morissette, and I can see that too. …the music on this album is not typically the kind of music I listen to, but Sarah Kelly’s singing and her songs are just so astounding that it goes beyond the normal boundaries of musical style in its appeal.”
Amy on Amazon.com: “Sarah Kelly has an amazing voice and her heart for God is apparent. Full of heartfelt worship songs….awesome lyrics.”
Jonathan Widran: “…her Christian fans might balk at her hiring of Mike Clink (Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Megadeth), but he brings out the emotionally honest rocker in her brilliantly – creating shimmering electric guitar beds for lyrics that tap into rich spiritual themes without being preachy or specifically of one religious mindset.
“[her music is]…a mix of searing ballads and tough rockers…her vocals moving effortlessly from the soaring Ann and Nancy Wilson realm to more subtle emotional moments that show off her immense range. Irresistible….godly and inspirational and perfectly Christian, yet touches on a secular level as well….taps deeper into the listener with each brilliant listen.”
