I first heard Shannon Hawkyard on Cindy Rushton's Ultimate Women's Expo online seminar back in early 2009, and I was very taken by her sweet countenance and humble spirit. I also enjoyed hearing the story of how she came to be a recording artist. Her song Go and Live Well was the theme song for the seminar, and I remember thinking what a mellow, well-modulated voice with unique vocal inflections she had. I was impressed with her talent and by the fact that she is a busy homeschool mom of four.

When I had the opportunity to review her debut CD, I was thrilled. My Life Story is a collection of Christ-honoring songs that are compelling and heartwarming. And with the exception of just two songs, Shannon wrote them all.

The tracks on the CD are:

• "What a Day"
• "My Life Story" (title track)
• "Go and Live Well"
• "Love Song to Jesus"
• "Welcome to the Real World"
• "Heroes and Knaves"
• "Amazing Grace" (sung a capella)

Shannon is simply a mom who loves the Lord and loves to sing. Her voice has a lovely, soulful quality, and her Christian light shines brightly through her songs. God has truly blessed her with a special gift and a tremendous talent that she has chosen to share with others to glorify Him.

You can find out more about Shannon and her CD, My Life Story, at her website www.shannonhawkyard.com.