Book Review: Tracie Peterson’s “Steadfast Heart”

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“Steadfast Heart” isn’t what it appears to be.

The first book in Tracie Petersons Brides of Seattle series mostly follows the story of a red headed orphan named Abrianna. She is determined to never wed and help the needy in the city of Seattle. The story is set in a bridal school in the 19th Century.

The entire book is suppose to be about a rich heiress named Lenore who falls in love with a lawyer (Kolbein) from Chicago, but their story is put on hold for many chapters due to their untimely separation.

I loved learning more about Abrianna, her best friend Wade and the aunts who have raised her practically from birth. However, some of the story was a little confusing, because I expected to read more about Lenore and her relationship with her lawyer.

Nonetheless, the book makes time for murder, suspense and the ultimate search for Kolbein’s sister.

I didn’t like the negative comments about my home city, but the book was an interesting read. I’m actually very curious about book #2.

 *A Special Thanks to Bethany House for a review copy of the book*

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Review: The Joffrey Ballet’s “Winning Works 2015”

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There is only one word to describe Joffrey Ballet‘s 2015 Winning Works…. Compelling.

Four talented award winning choreographers showcased their complicated pieces to a sold-out crowd at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago,IL today. Choreographer Abdul Latif  and Joffrey Academy Artistic Director Alexei Kremnev’s pieces really stood out among the four intricately constructed dances.

Abdul Latif

Mr. Latif’s A Year From Now Ago told a heartbreaking story and brought out so much emotion in a short amount of time. During his dance inspired and dedicated to Mothers, I wanted to know if the mother was giving birth or having surgery. He made use of the large screen and gave his performance a movie intro. The dancers executed each move and emotion perfectly. A Year From Now Ago was an emotional roller coaster ride that was so worth it.

Mr. Kremnev’s Windy Sand was very uplifting. His dance was carefree and took you to the beach. The dancers seem to imitate the movement of the waves, the wind, and they even tried to evoke the feelings people feel watching a beautiful sunset on a warm summer day.

Jennifer ArchibaldStephanie Martinez

Choreographers Jennifer Archibald and Stephanie Martinez dances were well arranged, but they didn’t tell stories that were as intricately designed as Mr. Latif and Mr. Kremnev. The high energy  and emotions were present, however, I wasn’t as moved by their performances.

The audience was challenged by all four of these complex dances. Each one of them can be considered exquisite pieces of art fit for the Museum of Contemporary Art.

After the show, I even had the opportunity to meet Mr. Latif and compliment him on a job well done. He was very kind and gracious.

Winning Work 2015 concludes its two-day special engagement on Sunday, March 8, at 3PM.

*A special thanks to The Silverman Group and The Joffrey Ballet for giving BTSCelebs the opportunity to review Winning Works.*

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BTSCelebs’ Fantasy Casting: Kevin Hart and Lupita Nyong’o in a “Cinderfella” Remake

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Kevin Hart and Lupita Nyong’o should be the next Cindefella and Princess Charming.

Last weekend, I saw Jerry Lewis in the 1960s classic film “Cinderfella”, and I thought it is time for a modern remake of this hilarious film. Hollywood hasn’t made any official casting announcement, but I thought it would be fun to put together two stars who would be perfect for the roles.

Now, I haven’t seen Kevin Hart or Lupita Nyongo’s recent films. That detail doesn’t change the fact that Kevin seems to be a talented comedian with loads of energy. Academy Award winner Lupita has that regal air about her that screams Princess.

I couldn’t think of two more perfect people to take on the iconic roles. Hollywood, please consider casting these stars if you plan to remake Cinderfella anytime soon.

Also, please keep it rated G.

All rights to the images belong to Mr. Hart and Miss Nyongo.

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Taylor Swift Takes Photo with Dad, Scott Kingsley Swift, for His Bday

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Taylor Swift‘s dad received some Twitter love today!

Today, the Grammy Award winner shared a very special message for her father via social media.  A pic of the loving father and daughter with toy flamingos was uploaded on her official Twitter account with this message:

“Happy Birthday, Dad. Thanks for all the unconditional love, sarcastic comments, and interesting Christmas presents.”

Too precious! Happy Birthday indeed to Papa Swift!

All rights to the image and quote belongs to Taylor Swift.

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Carrie Underwood Gives Birth to Baby Boy

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The American Idol winner just brought a new addition into the AI family.

Today, Carrie Underwood made the grand announcement via social media about the arrival of her first born. The precious photo she included only shows the baby’s mouth and hand, but you still have the opportunity to get a glimpse of her new bundle of joy.

“Tiny hands and tiny feet…God has blessed us with an amazing gift! Isaiah Michael Fisher – born February 27.”

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Congratulations to Carrie and her hubby Mike Fisher!

All rights to the images and quote belongs to Carrie Underwood. 

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Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell Talks Solo Projects with Praise DC

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Tina tweets, “Talkn w/Cheryl Jackson @ Praise DC about my new cd & book (May 2015) & The MaryMary Show (this Thurs WEtv)”

All rights to the image and quote belongs to Tina Campbell. 

 

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Megan Lee Will Star in K-Pop Influenced Show on Nickelodeon

Photo Credit: Megan Lee's Official Facebook

Photo Credit: Megan Lee’s Official Facebook

“Make It Pop”!

The phrase above is the title to Megan Lee‘s upcoming K-pop inspired series for Nickelodeon. Today, a “Make It Pop” press release hit the internet waves talking about the comedy/musical series focused on entertaining young audiences in the US.

MIP is about boarding school roommates bonding over music and forming a popular K-pop like band. Megan stars as a social media expert named Sun Hi.

The actress and real life K-pop singer shared the following message with her fans on social media today:

“I need your support now…more than ever! We’ve been walking thru this together since day#1 & thank you for your faith in me”

This series makes me want to maintain cable and be an avid viewer! Go Megan! BTSCelebs is cheering for you.

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[Interview] 9 Questions with Ellie Holcomb

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Meet a talented independent recording artist with loads of inspiration!

CCM singer Ellie Holcomb, who is a wife and mom, is beginning to inspire the masses with her serene and uplifting tunes. Recently, BTSCelebs was given the opportunity to interview the newly crowned Dove award winner.

Read her answers to 9 questions on everyone’s’ mind below.

BTSCelebs: Who is Ellie Holcomb?

Ellie Holcomb: I’m a recovering perfectionist who has, by the grace of God, been set free by the love of Jesus.

According to your Bio, you have a Master’s degree in Education. Why did you choose to pursue a career in music?

I’m an accidental musician. I actually set out to avoid the music business all together, swearing I’d never marry a musician and pursuing a Master’s in Education. My husband initially convinced me to quit my job to join his band, and what we thought would be a year-long diversion turned into a decade of making music together and separately. When I tried to quit my husbands band to be a stay at home mom, God began opening up all sorts of doors to share the music I’d been writing on my own with the world. It’s a joy, and although I never thought I’d be doing this, I am grateful to get to remind myself and others of the promises of God by writing and playing music.

Did your dad, music producer Brown Bannister, encourage you to sign with a major label rather than take your chosen independent route? 

He encouraged me to listen to Jesus & to do what brought my heart peace. That sweet man has always encouraged me to do that, and I’m so grateful for that wisdom.

Which song on your debut album “As Sure As The Sun” is the closest to your heart? Why?

The title track, “As Sure As the Sun” is probably the closest to my heart.

When my husband and I started dreaming about having a family of our own, I wanted to write a song that would carry the truths that I hoped this little person I was dreaming about would know in the very depths of their being. As it turns out, they’re the promises that I need to remember most as well…the promise of God’s presence in the heights of our joy and in the depths of our suffering and the promise of God’s unending mercy (Hos. 6:3 & Lam.3:22-24). It’s the song that I now sing to our little girl every night before I put her to bed, and it’s the song that often rings true with me, even when I feel like a failure as a mom or a friend or a follower of Jesus.

Which song would you recommend to someone who has never heard your music before? Why?

Probably “As Sure As the Sun” or “The Broken Beautiful” because those are the songs of mine that I keep needing to hear the most often. They are the songs that remind me most of what I’ve seen to be true about Jesus.

Your album had rave reviews. How did it feel to be mentioned in Buzzfeed’s 2014’s Top 15 Standout Albums article? 

Elated/Humbled/Honored

You are about to embark on an American tour with Third Day.  What would you like to share about this upcoming tour? 

I’m so honored to be opening on for Third Day on this tour! I love the music that they make and what I’ve heard of this worship record that they’re releasing is just wonderful as well.

Regarding your audience in each state, who do you want to reach the most on this tour?

The weary. I discovered late in life that it was ok to NOT be ok, and that Jesus is very near to the broken hearted, and I spent a good portion of my life hiding the brokenness.  I always hope to reach people who are feeling hopeless and let them know that they are not alone in the struggle, and that because of who Jesus is and what He did on the cross, that we can bring all of our doubt, pain, ache, not-enoughness to Him, because He is always more than enough. That’s the truth I need to hear anyway, so I suppose I hope I speak to the people who struggle like me.

What are your plans for 2015?

I’m starting to write again, which is always life-giving to me, and I’ll be on tour this spring with Third Day and then Steven Curtis Chapman and Brandon Heath. When I’m home, I’ll be enjoying our family and community in Nashville.

Click Here to visit Ellie’s official website to learn more about recording artist Ellie Holcomb.

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*BTSCelebs sends a special thanks to Merge PR and Ellie Holcomb for the interview and images.*

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Daniel Henney’s Movie, Big Hero 6, Wins an Academy Award

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Daniel Henney‘s team recently shared this message on Facebook, “Big Hero has won the best animated film category at the 2015 Oscars. Congratulations~ Awesome news to start off the lunar new year with!!!”

All rights to the image and quote belong to Disney and Daniel Henney’s team.

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Megan Nicole to Make a Movie Inspired by Her Song “Summer Forever”

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The YouTube and Radio Disney songstress Megan Nicole is expanding her career.

Today, Megan shared a very special message about an all new project she is working on for the summer. Check out her message below:

“I am making a movie inspired from my song ‘Summer Forever’! I’ve been keeping this project a secret for a while now, so I’m so excited to finally share it with you all smile emoticon Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. More info coming tomorrow! #SUMR4EVR For more information go to: http://www.sumr4evrmovie.com/”

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I enjoy watching the majority of Megan’s covers and original singles. I’m excited to see her debut film this summer.

All rights to the image and quote belongs to Megan Nicole.  

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