Reviewed by Emily Lucas

Sheffield's Christian music singer Philippa shares the testimony behind each of her songs in a refreshingly honest way in this book. Her unassuming tone makes this accessible reading for non-Christians and believers looking for a boost to their faith. Philippa's passion for singing started at a very young age and it was thanks to her dad that she started to perform. Her teenage years were a rebellious slide from smoking to sex to tarot cards and a deep interest in crystal healing. Thankfully, as she recounts here, she came into relationship with Jesus. Her song "Crazy Days" is a testimony song referring to her early adolescence. Philippa talks in the opening chapters about her desire to find a deep, fulfilling joy that she eventually discovered in the Gospel and a life lived for Jesus, which is the basis of "New Song". She offers a mature insight into the challenges facing Christians "in a world where you can buy a Buddha figurine in the home-ware section of the local supermarket" and addresses big subjects such as suffering, pain and famine. In the final chapters Philippa writes, "There is nothing I can say to prove to you that God exists. All I can do is offer you a few snap shots of how knowing him has changed me." There is no disputing how God has guided Philippa in her life and this moving and, at times, humorous account is a treat of a read.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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