Saturday, November 12, 2016

Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund


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.

Paperback400 pages

Published September 20th 2016 by WaterBrook
ISBN 1601427646 
(ISBN13: 9781601427649)




About AuthorJody Hedlund
Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and finalist for the Christy Awards, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
My Thoughts
John Newton is young and adventurous with a tendency to give into distractions which angers his father.  He has neglected to show up for several jobs aboard ships of which his father had arranged. On one such distraction he hears the voice of an angel singing,  and this angel looked the image of an angel and her name was Polly Catlett . He becomes somewhat of a hero and at times a nuisance to her.
Polly had Christian values which holds her back from forming any kind of romance with John.  The time they  spend together was creating beautiful music of which one song is the now famous Amazing Grace.  His talent and nearness was breaking down the walls Polly had built around her heart.  This wall came crumbling down when she had to turn the tables on him and she had to rescue him.
Polly's father made it clear that John needed to show him that he was responsible and financially stable enough to court his daughter.  Which meant he would need to take the job John's father had arranged for him or one of his own choosing.
I found John to be like many of our kids looking for fun and adventure living off their parents seeing no need of responsibility for themselves.  Now Polly she was young and still hanging to her parents coattails with blinders on that concealed the real word outside her home life yet she knew for sure she would not stray from her Christian values.
This book kept my attention until the very last page.  Love the story line center on the gospel song AMAZING GRACE. 
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:  I received a free ebook from NetGalley/Waterbrook for an honest review.  I was in no way  compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.
www.netgalley.con


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