Newton and Polly: a Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund -- Review

About the Book

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.

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About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she's not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

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Interivew with the Author

Check out the interview with the author HERE.
Jody discusses her novel Newton and Polly and her life in general...

Review

From the very beginning when I first discovered that Jody Hedlund was writing a story about John Newton and his love interest Polly Catlett, I was enchanted and intrigued.  I have always love the hymn Amazing Grace and was simply delighted at the opportunity to read a historical, romance novel about the author of the text of Amazing Grace.  John Newton was not a very honorable man, he gambled, and drank, didn’t show up to jobs his father kindly arranged for him, and even participated in the slave trade.  Through the influence of Polly Catlett and a moment of “coming to God” John Newton repented and became a better man.  Hedlund has written a beautiful, inspiring, and captivating story that illustrates the struggle of Newton’s life and how he wanted to be better so he would be worthy of Polly even though time and time again he fell short.  This is a exquisite and inspiring story that readers will thoroughly love from page one all the way until the end of the boo, as they fall into story life of John Newton and Polly Catlett.  I would highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical, romance novels based on strong characters in history.
 
Genre: historical, romance, Christian
Publisher: WaterBrook
Publication date: September 20, 2016
Number of pages: 400
 
Content Rating: PG, some violence, smuggling, slave trade
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by the author's influencer group via the publisher.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.