Soundtrack for a Book

FOREVER IN MY HEART is now available!

And this is funny, but I actually compiled its "soundtrack," songs that are mentioned in the book. Music often pops up in books, and certainly in mine. Speaking of which, this new novel contains no less than FOUR musicians, not including the Maranatha Assembly of God Choir. Because this is inspirational fiction, many of the songs are Christian, with some secular songs that belong to that era of the mid- to late 1960s, with a little of the '50s mixed in. The secular songs usually somehow apply to the character/scene and belong to the era.

I thought it would be fun to include them here. One more note: It's interesting because Christian music has really evolved in these last few decades. In the 1960s, people mostly sang the traditional hymns, which really are timeless and beautiful. Today we still have them--but we also have Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Casting Crowds, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin and so many terrific other artists and groups. Enjoy!

Forever in My Heart Soundtrack (!)

"Secret Agent Man" (Johnny Rivers)
"Jean" (Donovan)
"My Girl" (The Temptations)
"O Happy Day" (many artists, though I listened to The Edwin Hawkins Singers for inspiration during that scene. I believe that's the same version that appears in the wonderful movie Secretariat)
"Here Comes the Bride" (traditional)
"Good Lovin'" (The Rascals)
"There is Power in the Blood" (traditional hymn)
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" (traditional hymn)
"Just as I Am" (traditional hymn)
"This Little Light of Mine" (many artists)
"How Great Thou Art" (traditional hymn)
"You Belong to Me" (The Duprees)

Goodbye to Davy Jones

Yesterday, my best friend texted me with this heartbreaking message: My daydream believer will be singing in heaven now. Poor Davy Jones. I was doing fine until I was turning my car into home and I heard beloved radio DJ Cousin Brucie, who'd been talking to Davy's fans on Sirius, play "It's Nice To Be With You." That was when I broke down and cried.

They just don't make boy bands like they used to anymore. And they don't make teen idols like they used to, either. Someone on Cousin Brucie's show described Davy Jones as having that "boy-next-door" quality--and she's absolutely right. Even though my favorite Monkee was Mike Nesmith (the tall Texan with the wool hat), you had to love the funny, talented young guy with the impossibly gorgeous brown eyes and the English accent, who proved that good things really DID come in small packages. If you're too young to remember the Monkees, then make sure to catch them on YouTube or whenever the reruns of their show is on again.

My heart goes out to the family, friends and fans of this beautiful British gentleman who was to me, like to a lot of little girls in the 1960s, a sweet and gentle part of that era and my childhood. Thank you for memories, Davy!