Reviewed by: Emily Sumney,  professional writing student at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: Girl in the Song: The True Story of a Young Woman Who Lost Her Way–and the Miracle That Led Her Home

Author: Chrissy Cymbala Toledo

Publisher: Tyndale Momentum

Publication Date: Aug 2015

Format: Paperbook

Length: 260 Pages

OVERVIEW

Chrissy has grown up in a loving home and amidst a caring church family, the daughter of a pastor in the rough side of Brooklyn. Chrissy has seen the pain the world has to offer and also the beauty of God’s amazing love. As Chrissy becomes older, however, outside worldly influences convince her that she needs to be perfect. Striving for perfection and listening to the devil’s lies, she invests her worth in a destructive relationship and finds herself overwhelmed by the secrets she is forced to carry. When it seems she has lost all hope, a spark of light illuminates the darkness through the words of a song. The question is, will Chrissy have the courage to sing it back?

Chrissy’s story is a testimony to God’s redeeming love during a person’s darkest times. The author weaves a musical theme throughout the pages, tying the book together harmonically from beginning to end. The main character is relatable, and the reader is left wanting to know what happens next. The author writes with raw emotion, shares life’s challenges honestly, and draws the reader into the page-turning story. Themes echoed throughout the story include redemption, light versus darkness, unconditional love, and forgiveness.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Adult fans of Christian biographies

Christian Impact

Girl in the Song is an expertly told story about a prodigal daughter returning to her Father. Though she is faced with many moral dilemmas and runs away from God, Chrissy cannot escape His love. This book inspires a true understanding of unconditional love and is a testimony to the hope all believers can rejoice about.

Emily Sumney is a student in the professional writing program at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She and her family live in Fruitport, Michigan.

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