Tuesday, September 20, 2016

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

Happy Release Day!!! 

Paperback, 400 pages
Published September 20th 2016 by WaterBrook

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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Rebecca's Review
5 STARS!!!

"He hated his father. He hated God. Most of all he hated himself."

How could the same man, once filled with so much hate, manage to pen the words to one of Christendom's most beloved hymns? . . . . .. . The answer is startlingly simple, amazing grace.

It was love at first sight for John Newton. Polly Catlett had the voice of an angel, coupled with a face and form that a man could not easily forget. Innocent, enchanting and deeply religious, Polly embodied everything that Newton was not, for although young and intelligent, John Newton was daring, reckless and habitually irresponsible.

Paying the price for his obstinate behavior, John finds himself impressed into the British navy, violently punished for insubordination and ripped from any hope of a future with the lovely Polly. Yet his steadfast devotion to her memory, along with God's powerful, providential and unconditional love, ultimately saves Newton's life; paving the way for one of history's most incredulous stories surrounding a prodigal, who finds his way home.

"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see." Jody Hedlund has penned a masterpiece!

I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. 


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Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".
 
~Happy Reading~

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