Fireproof on DVD

Fireproof on DVD available January 27th. Call and reserve your copy today 736.2281.

Based on The Love Dare book used in the Fireproof movie. Unconditional love is eagerly promised at weddings, but rarely practiced in real life. As a result, romantic hopes are often replaced with disappointment in the home. But it doesn't have to be that way. The Love Dare is a 40-day challenge for spouses to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare is a journey you need to take. It's time to learn the keys to finding true intimacy and developing a dynamic marriage.

Christianity Today on Brooke Barrettsmith

Sounds like … post-hardcore pop/rock with some punk, in the same vein as Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Flyleaf, Kelly Clarkson, and a female-fronted Anberlin.

At a glance … Brooke Barrettsmith's self-titled debut offers well-written and produced hard rock songs from a strong and spiritual female singer, though it relies heavily on familiar industry standards.


It could be said that people with a history of panic attacks should never be in the same room as American Idol judge Simon Cowell. But that's exactly what Illinois native Brooke Barrettsmith did in 2006 when she auditioned for the hit show despite a long battle with serious anxiety attacks. Although Barrettsmith got cut in the Hollywood rounds, she learned from the experience and continued to hone her skills. Eventually, she signed to Essential Records to record her self-titled debut album with industry veteran Aaron Sprinkle producing.

In the press materials, Barrettsmith describes herself as the female Jeremy Camp. With a style that's a little less worship and a little more post-hardcore, her sound is actually much closer to Anberlin (also produced by Sprinkle), Paramore, and Flyleaf.

The album opens with the hard-hitting rock song, "Right Now," followed by the single "Farewell," and though both are well-produced and performed, neither brings anything new to the table. In fact, "Right Now" sounds borrowed straight from Anberlin's Never Take Friendship Personal album, with paralleling guitar riffs, ideas, and production.

The strongest tracks are surprisingly found in the album's second half. In the punk-paced, Avril-styled "Anymore," Barrettsmith speaks honestly about a personal relationship which ended and left her feeling betrayed. There's genuine passion to it ("I don't even know you anymore!"), showing a more complex style of writing and offering the kind of raw emotion missing from some of the earlier tracks.

Throughout the album, Barretsmith sings powerfully and displays Kelly Clarkson-like vocal chops that took her far on American Idol in the first place. However, her attack in singing can be abrasive, as is the case with the rock ballad "Quiet My Heart." The lyrics are also a mixed bag; at times, she sounds relevant and original, at others, she pulls from the usual stock Christian catchphrases.

Barrettsmith's songs do offer hope and spirituality from the perspective of a strong, young woman. Being a youth leader at her local church, Barrettsmith's music adds another venue in which she is influencing youth in a positive way. Her single "Farewell" calls us to, "Say farewell to all of your mistakes/Forgive yourself/It's a brand new day."

Though this album feels a little familiar in lyrical expression and style, there's still enough for listeners to genuinely like in this rocker chick's personality and message. It's a debut that's worth a listen, and hopefully the stepping stone to a more ingenious follow-up.

Former American Idol contestant Brooke Barrettsmith

Former American Idol contestant debuts her christian rock album! 

Artist Spotlight

You may or may not have heard of these three female artists, if you haven't then you should check them out! They have similar vocal style to that of Colbie Caillat and Sara Bareilles.

Coming September 23rd! Pre-Order your copy!

Sunset is about the power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption. As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.