Newton & Polly

Newton & Polly:
A Novel of Amazing Grace
Jody Hedlund
(WaterBrook)
ISBN: 978-1601427649
September 2016/400 pages/$14.99
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found....

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling and award-winning author of fourteen books. Among a variety of genres, she especially loves bringing long-forgotten women of history to life. She is the author of Luther and Katharina, which was awarded the ECPA Book of the Year Award in Fiction. Her other novels have won the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christy Award. She resides in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. Learn more at her website.



MY THOUGHTS

Writing this review is a daunting task for I know my efforts could never do justice to this beautiful and powerful story. Once I tore my gaze away from the stunning cover and actually opened the book, Jody Hedlund whisked me away to the perilous times of mid-eighteenth century England. Meticulous research blends seamlessly with Helund's exquisite prose in this stirring tale. Although I knew bits and pieces of John Newton's background, I had no knowledge of many of the details woven into this novel, circumstances and events that further demonstrate the depth of God's amazing grace. Hedlund's passion for spotlighting long-forgotten women of history mines a jewel in her portrayal of Polly and her impact on John. Packed with emotion as well as numerous memorable quotes Newton & Polly is a book to be read with a box of tissues and a highlighter nearby. I fully expect this to head award lists next year. Don't miss this phenomenal novel! And with Christmas around the corner, it's the perfect gift for every reader on your list!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Jody Hedlund and WaterBrook for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”