Review: Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

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About Newton and Polly

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. 

My Review:

The story of John Newton and Polly, the woman he loved with everything he had in him, was truly a mesmerizing story.  As always, I appreciate the author’s notes in the back that helps delve deeper into these real historical people’s lives and we are told what is true and what license the author took in telling their story.  At times this story was hard to read due to John’s character and his many sins and failings, the trouble he found himself in due to drinking and gambling, and ultimately his part in slave trading.  Jody wrote about a John who felt unloved and abandoned by his father, his mother even in her death, and ultimately God, who for a while he refused to believe in.  But what a redemption story about a man who was so loved by God, then saved by Him, and for him to go on to pen one of the most beautiful hymns of all time, Amazing Grace.  I enjoyed reading about Polly, John’s one true love, and how her pure love for him was used by God as a light to draw John to Himself.  She herself had a tough situation, does she continue to love a man who does life his own way, and whom her father is against, continue to pray and wait for John, or does she decide to move on?  This was a beautiful, romantic, and uplifting story.

I received this book for free.  A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

About Jody Hedlund

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.

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