Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Wife and mother of three, Sheila Hamil worked as an RE, English and arts teacher before training as an Anglican non-stipendiary priest. If all this hasn't kept her busy enough, the clearly multi-talented Ms Hamil has been writing songs for the past 35 years and is a former joint leader of Christian folk band The United Folk. She has recorded two solo albums and penned several children's musicals. On top of all this, Sheila has written several Christian sketches and Assembly stories, which are free to download on her website. Now retired and living in Tyne & Wear, Ms Hamil has recently released her latest recording, a collection of songs self-composed over the past dozen years or so. Soft, flowing melodies with a poignant spiritual message, many are based on some event in Sheila's eventful life. She's unquestionably a gifted songwriter for these are delightfully melodic pieces, with interesting and thoroughly non-cliched lyrics. Most have gentle piano backing (a few, guitar), overlaid with Sheila's clear, pleasant, folksy vocals. If there's any drawback it's that the tunes are just a bit too unadventurous. Having said that there is still much here that is inspiring, with all profits from sales being donated to charity.

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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