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.”

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A Field Trip to the Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's always fun to join Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. I've read several posts and status updates recently describing end of year school field trips. Do you remember taking school field trips as a kid? Where did you go and do you recall a favorite? For any parents responding today, have you ever chaperoned a school field trip, and if so where?

Oh my. Field trips! One of the cherished rites of elementary school. I remember going to Imperial Sugar in Sugarland. I remember being surprised how bad it smelled. LOL And we went to whatever wiener company was in Houston; it may have been Rath. We all got hot dogs at the end. The most memorable one, though, was the one that never happened: when I was in sixth grade (which was still elementary school way back then), we were supposed to go to the Houston Ship Channel one day in February. Instead, we woke up to two inches of snow that morning and school was canceled. I was so excited because I had never seen snow before!

And I went on a bunch of field trips when my kids were in elementary school - museums, the Capitol, and a couple of area farms that are set up for school tours.

2. What's something you're tired of seeing online?

Celebrities espousing on political issues as if their being famous gives them any more wisdom or knowledge than anyone else. And celebrities behaving badly.

3. June is the month for roses. Which of the following expressions would you say has most recently applied to your life-'everything's coming up roses', 'there's no rose without a thorn', 'came out smelling like a rose', or 'wearing rose-colored glasses'?

"There's no rose without a thorn." Life is full of ups and downs.

4. When grilling outdoors do you prefer gas or charcoal? Who does the grilling at your house? What's the last thing you ate that was cooked on a grill?

We have a gas grill and I do the grilling. I made fajitas last week when we had some friends over.

5. Are you afraid of the dark?

I'm not afraid of the dark, per se, just who might be lurking out there. LOL I'm fine in my house. I don't like being outside in the dark. I'm amazed when I see people going for walks late at night.

6. Share a favorite song with a number in its title.

Well, my ringtone is Matt Redman's 10,000 Reasons, so that's obviously a favorite, but I'm going to share the chorus of an old hymn that most people under 40 have probably never even heard!

He could have called ten thousand angels
To destroy the world and set Him free.
He could have called ten thousand angels,
But He died alone for you and me.
You can here the whole song here.

7. "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."(C.G. Jung). Do you agree? Why or why not?

Agree. That's simply a different way of stating what Romans 2:1 says: You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Another way to state it is the oft-said phrase that "When you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at yourself."

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I know that while we supposedly speak the same language as the folks on the other side of the pond, the British have very different terms for many things. Order chips in England and you'll get french fries; if you want potato chips, you have to ask for crisps. Our cars have trunks and hoods, while theirs have boots and bonnets. And the other day at work I learned that the item below, which we call a walker, is known over there as a Zimmer frame!

Which, of course, makes me wonder. . .

Why Can't the English Teach Their Children How to Speak?!

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April's Last Wednesday Hodgpodge

How can this be the last Hodgepodge of April?! Mercy, this year is flying by! Join me over at Joyce's blog to play along after you read and comment below!

1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month?

Books! I've read some great books this month (tomorrow is my 20th review of the month!) and have more that I can't wait to start in my TBR pile!

2. What is the nature of compassion? Is it learned or innate? Can compassion be learned? If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?

I think it comes more naturally for some people than others, but I think it can be learned. I have been intentional about trying to instill it in my kids by modeling it and placing them in situations where they can show compassion. I never shielded them from funerals once they got past the age of 4 or 5), took them to visit elderly friends, prayed in the car when we passed a wreck, etc. I certainly haven't done it perfectly, but it's borne some fruit.

Part of my goal was not specifically to just instill compassion but to teach my kids to be others-centered. That is a basic characteristic that I feel is so important and much too neglected today, and the "side effects" include not only compassion but humility, patience, gentleness, and a whole host of positive traits.

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?

Mostly the romantic drama. I have to be in the right mood for romantic comedy and a little goes a long way. I can watch some action flicks but even then, I'm focusing more on the interpersonal relationships.

4. It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree?

Disagree. I'm not a big baseball fan. The games take too long and are too slow. And I do love my Texas beef!

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?

Don't EVEN get me started! LOL

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

I was torn between two, so I'll share them both. Growing up, I always loved it when we sang the old hymn The Lily of the Valley! Here's a version with just a couple of verses from one of the Gaither Homecomings:



And as a Texas gal, of course I've always LOVED The Yellow Rose of Texas! Especially since yellow has always been my favorite color. Yellow roses were my wedding flowers!



7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets? That wasn't the question you were expecting was it?

There may be plant life, but I don't really think there are people on other planets. And no, I didn't expect that with the Earth Day lead-in! LOL

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm looking forward to a road trip with my girl this weekend as we head to early registration at her college. We'll get to meet her roommate as well!

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Easter Hodgepodge

1. What are your plans for Easter? Are you cooking a big lunch or dinner? Dyeing eggs? Attending a sunrise service? Eating too much chocolate?

We are pretty low-key on Easter. We'll obviously attend church. It's still a bit up in the air whether we'll eat out or at home. The place I wanted to eat doesn't have any available reservations until too late for us; I don't want to spend the whole afternoon trying to get lunch, so I'll probably end up fixing something. I love Honeybaked Ham on Easter but it's hard to justify for just the four of us.

2. What is something you feel too young to do?

Be this old!

3. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..."

Of the characteristics mentioned in the biblical definition of love which do you find most difficult to live out and why?

Oh any of them could vie for "most difficult" depending on the day! LOL I guess I would say envy because it's such a tendency of the sin nature to look around and see what I lack instead of being grateful for what I have.

4. What's a springtime flower you associate with your childhood?

Buttercups. And getting the "butter" on my nose.

5. Ever sung karaoke? If so, what's your go-to song? If not and you're given the opportunity, would you?

Nope. And it's highly unlikely that I would do so.

6. What is something you keep in a basket?

Pot holders in the kitchen.

7. When was the last time you felt foolish?

I don't remember - I really try to block those times out of my memory. And I certainly don't publicize them on the internet! LOL

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a blessed Easter!

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No Better Way to Kick off the Weekend!

This is one of the songs from Chris Tomlin's new Burning Lights CD, which debuted two weeks ago and immediately soared to #1 on the Billboard charts. I love hymns, and this is absolutely an incredible arrangement that he sings with Kari Jobe.

What a great way to start the weekend!

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A Prayer for 2013

I love this old hymn and especially like this arrangement by Selah. It's a great way to focus our minds and our hearts on Christ for the new year.



Blessings to you as you begin 2013!

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Word of the Father, Now in Flesh Appearing

This may be the most beautiful rendition of this carol I've ever heard. This was part of the Christmas Spectacular from the University of Mobile, a small private Baptist college in Mobile, Alabama.



Blessings on your Christmas Eve! How are you spending the day?

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A Christmas Interlude

Dr. Harry Kraus posted this yesterday on 3 Men Walk Into a Blog (love that blog that he shares with Dan Walsh and James Rubart!) and I absolutely had to share it here. O Come, O Come Emmanuel has become one of my favorite Christmas hymns in recent years, ever since I did a study of the Old Testament. This is a phenomenal rendition and so worshipful. Take a moment to quiet your soul today and listen.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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Listen to the Angels

It's been a bit hard for me to get into the "Christmas spirit" this year. With the recent deaths in our church family as well as a pretty sudden decline in my sister's Alzheimer's condition over the past couple of weeks, I've had neither the time nor the energy--emotional, mental, or physical--to feel particularly jolly. Yet as I was reflecting on the words of one of my favorite Christmas carols, it reminded me that this is exactly what Christmas is about. God became a baby and quietly slipped into a broken, hurting world marred by sin, disease, and suffering to save us and give us a hope beyond this frail life. Take a moment in your busy day to rest and hear the angels sing!

IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold;
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From Heaven’s all gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever over its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife
And hear the angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophet-bards foretold,
When with the ever circling years
Comes round the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

WORDS: Edmund H. Sears, 1849
MUSIC: Richard S. Willis, 1850

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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TSMSS - Come, Ye Thankful People, Come!

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving hymns. I wish my church still sang it. It tells the whole story of the harvest and Thanksgiving, yet parallels it with God's harvest.

COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE COME
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown
unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come,
ring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified,
In Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

WORDS: Henry Alford, 1844
MUSIC: George J Elvey, 1858

join me at Amy's for more songs!

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TSMSS - Does Jesus Care?

This has been a tough week serving as the Care Minister of our church. Deaths, surgeries, and other issues that our members and their extended families have been dealing with remind me that such things can cause folks to either draw closer to God or turn away. I love this medley of older songs as Mark Lowry, known for making folks laugh, reminds us that Jesus feels our pain and cares for us more than we can even imagine.



Visit Amy's for more songs.

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TSMSS - Jesus, I Come

I was so excited to stumble across this song last night. (Although the top of the video says "Rock of Ages," that is the name of the DVD, not the song.) Jesus, I Come has always been one of my favorite "invitation songs." This is such a beautiful rendition, sung so simply, and they sing all four verses.

JESUS, I COME

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of earth's sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life's storm and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the joy and pleasure, Thine own,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

WORDS: William T. Sleeper, 1887
MUSIC: George C. Stebbins

I'm so thankful that Amy started this wonderful meme. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues to grieve the death of her dad.

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TSMSS - A Special Wedding

'Tis the season of weddings and this evening we will attend the wedding of the daughter of some friends of ours. The mom and I were roommates for almost a year back in our single days. Both of us were nurses and we met in the choir at the church we both attended. (She was just starting to date the man she would marry, and as a result of being in that group of friends who sang in the choir and went to lunch after church each week, I met my man.) It's a little surreal to realize that their middle daughter, who just graduated from college, is getting married.

My songs today are in honor of her wedding. The first one is a sweet song that Michael W. Smith sings that isn't quite as well known as Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses or Steven Curtis Chapman's Cinderella, but it is a touching song of a father who is sifting through memories and wondering how to let go of his precious girl.



This second one is a beautiful old hymn that you rarely hear sung at weddings anymore but which is a wonderful prayer.



Congratulations to J & E! May God bless your marriage with His perfect Love!

Join me at Amy's for more songs.

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TSMSS - Come Thou Fount

One of the great classic hymns of the faith, simply and beautifully sung by Chris Rice.



I'm linking up at Amy's; come on over for more great songs for your weekend!

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TSMSS - He Hideth My Soul

There aren't many things I enjoy more than an old classic hymn sung with simple accompaniment. I was happy to find this arrangement by Guy Penrod, who used to sing with the Gaither Vocal Band.



I always enjoy linking up at Amy's for Then Sings My Soul Saturday!

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TSMSS - Like a River Glorious

There are few forms of music that I enjoy more than piano hymns, especially when I'm in a reflective mood or not feeling well. I like several of Chris Rice's songs that he sings, but his Living Room Sessions CD is absolutely beautiful. My girl has begun playing some of the arrangements, and hearing her play them is a double blessing.

Like a River Glorious is an old hymn that my mom really liked and while I never particularly disliked it, it was never one of my favorites, either. As I've gotten older matured, I've come to appreciate what a beautiful hymn it is and the lyrics always speak to me. I've provided them below so you can follow along if you aren't familiar with this classic, written by Frances Havergal in 1874.

LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS

Like a river glorious, is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Words: Frances Havergal, 1874
Music: James Mountain, 1876

Join me at Amy's for more music!

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TSMSS - And Can It Be?

I just love this old hymn by Charles Wesley and you rarely hear it sung anymore, even when hymns are sung. It's definitely one that needs all the verses sung to get the full impact, since it contains the entire gospel and testimony of a believer's salvation. This choir and orchestra's rendition is especially beautiful.

AND CAN IT BE

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

REFRAIN:
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1738
MUSIC: Thomas Campbell, 1825

I'm linking up at Amy's - join me there for more songs!

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TSMSS - My Prayer for 2012

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TSMSS - Thankful

Yesterday for the Giving Thanks Challenge I stated how thankful I was for grocery stores! I had been thinking that, as much as I love reading about the historical days of yore, I'm thankful that I don't have to raise and kill and/or can my own food or make separate trips to "the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker!" Yet, for those of us who live far removed from the farmlands that provide our food, I do think it is easy to lose the sense of dependence on God during the cycle of sowing and harvesting and miss that feeling of rejoicing when the harvest is safely brought in for another year. I always laughed at how my dad was so fixated on the weather, but he grew up on a farm and knew how quickly the weather could destroy a crop.

I love this old hymn that is associated with Thanksgiving, although it quickly transitions from the fall harvest into God's harvest of His people. The words are beautiful, and I love this college choir's rendition.

May we have grateful hearts for the abundance of the harvest we see every week when we do our grocery shopping! And may we spend as much time thinking about the spiritual harvest as we do thinking about the food we put in our bellies!

COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

WORDS: Henry Alford, 1844
MUSIC: George J. Elvey, 1858

You'll find more music at Amy's.

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