Uncover the true love story behind the famous hymn that stirs the hearts and ignites the faith of millions around the globe.Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found… 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?
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Amazing Grace – grace of God truly is amazing! The moving story of Newton and Polly is a lesson in following God’s will for your life and accepting His grace.
I had heard parts of the story about the song written by John Newton, but not of the love story between the two. Knowing the whole story of their relationship makes his music even more inspirational.
Worth anyone’s time to read!
A very well written novel about the life of John Newton, writer of Amazing Grace. I learned many things about his life that I didn’t know before, and his life was very inspirational. I also learned about life in the mid 1700’s. Very different from now!
I used to teach elementary music in a Christian school and I shared about John Newton and the hymn ‘Amazing Grace.’ I had only read snippets about his life at the time. This book was well-written, explaining the poor choices John Newton made for much of his life. His unresolved relationship with his father was a basis for his inability to follow through on commitments and relationships. But, in the end, Newton found grace…Amazing Grace. I highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed learning about the story behind a well known hymn.
Hard to put down/
I love this book, it is among my most favorites.
Loved this book. I like any kind of historical Christian fiction and this was a wonderful story that brought to life the incredible story of John Newton. Highly recommend!
The sense of the times gives added dimension to this book and its characters.
I usually don’t read period books but I’d heard stories of John Newton all of my life and wanted to find out the facts. I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t know anything about Polly so I gobbled up the pages quickly. I found out she was a gentle Christ like Prayer warrior. I think we shall see how perfectly their union was ordained by God only on the other side of the veil.
Wonderful book
Loved this historical fiction! This is the love story of the real life people, John Newton and Polly, his love. Newton was a charismatic, but troubled teen when he met and fell in love at first sight with Polly Catlett. His life choices were dictated by that love, which got him in so much trouble! It took many years, adventures, tragedies, and the love of God to get him to leave his wild ways and become the man she deserved. Love wins out!
It was sad, happy and very dramatic at times. Loved it!
I truly enjoyed this book by Jody Hedlund. Getting to know the love story of Newton and Polly was a delightful experience, and to see the marvelous Grace of our Mighty God was a beautiful experience. The book is well written and a reading delight. I highly recommend this book.
A beautiful rendering by the author of a lives redeemed by God’s amazing grace.
This book brought one of my favorite hymns to life by describing the lives of those who wrote it!
There are several good biographies about John Newton, but this one shows the influence of his life long love and wife, Polly. A wonderful love story that exemplifies amazing grace.
Every time I hold a new Jody Hedlund novel in my hands, my reader heart is just alive with anticipation, and I admit, a bit of trepidation – how, oh how could this new story possibly be as good as the one before? And every time even my tiniest worry is unfounded. Newton and Polly is an utterly absorbing story that captivated me with superb historical setting and details, as well as a love that came to life. The plot flows effortlessly, the characters endear themselves so quickly, and the emotions of the romance are poignant and realistic. Hedlund just knows how to pen an engaging, entertaining story.
My favorite reading experience, particularly with historical fiction, is one that keeps me engrossed in the story, while also making me feel like I’m learning new information. I loved all of the details about the smuggling activities – especially those who opposed it – as well as John’s time spent on ships. The details about sailing and what it took to for such large vessels to travel were fascinating to experience through John’s story.
John’s character transformation is one of the best of any character that I’ve read this year. In the beginning, readers only see his potential and feel the same disappointment as Polly at the decisions that he makes. Polly’s reeling emotions are keenly felt, as is the shock at the turn of events in John’s life – events that came about through no one’s fault but his own. Though doubt and despair soon take over John’s life, the story is never without hope. Polly’s character – much like I imagine how she was for John in real life – is the beacon that carries hope throughout the story. Their romance is heartfelt, but never overpowers the plot or character arcs. John comes to realize that no woman’s love can keep his despair at bay, nor provide the answers that he denies that he needs for so long. In a compelling journey of grace and mercy, John’s perspective soon changes from self-seeking to seeking God – Polly being the one who planted the seeds of God’s love and mercy in John’s heart before that journey ever began.
One thing I have come to adore about this author’s writing is how she highlights women of history who may otherwise be overlooked or overshadowed by the famous men they loved. In this story, Polly Catlett’s life as a young woman is brought into focus, and although it’s fiction, Hedlund is respectful of the true events in history. Few liberties were taken with these details, and I appreciate Jody’s effort to stay accurate to what is known about Polly Catlett and John Newton. She also stays true to the unsavory details of the time, of which there were many, and I’m so glad that she chooses not to change or sugarcoat anything for the sake of making things more comfortable or easy for her characters. Jody creates a plausible, realistic story for them, keeping many important details of the beginning of their relationship for authenticity. Through this story, I can entirely see how the travails of his life before he found God to provide the impetus for penning a song with as much power and emotion as “Amazing Grace.”
Fans of Hedlund will no doubt be captivated with Newton and Polly, and readers new to her books will find a gem of a story. Highly recommended for readers of historical, romantic, sweeping stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.