Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review: 


John Newton is smitten when he hears the angelic voice of Polly Catlett caroling with her cousin Susanna. He follows her home and discovers that he is her cousin, despite having a job lined up on a ship destined for Jamaica, he lingers with the Catletts, each day making it harder to leave Polly behind him. John is reckless and godless, with very little motivation to work and make something of himself--constantly dismissing opportunities for career advancement.

But when John finds himself impressed into service upon a Navy vessel, he begins an arduous journey that will change his life forever.

A inspiring and passionate tale of a prodigal's flight from God, his redemption, and the woman who loved him. Before reading this book I'd never really heard much about Polly Catlett, besides the fact that John Newton was a married man and that she was his wife. Oh, how little I knew! I was riveted by this passionate tale of redemption and enduring love, and Amazing Grace.

Polly is a beautiful young woman inside and out, with a kind heart, and a bent for following rules to the letter. When impulsive and reckless John comes into her life, she is drawn to him, and finds him unlike anyone she has ever known before. When her father urges her to give John up, do to his lacking character, she struggles to obey her father, but finds that John is a man hard to forget.

John Newton is irresponsible and careless, letting important deadlines pass without more than passing acknowledgement. He has a chip on his shoulder, and a bent for undermining authority. He challenges those around him with his contemptible attitude and godless ways.

I liked that this book didn't shy away from the gritty truth about the things that John was involved in, and I thought that Ms. Hedlund captured his youthful, disregard for authority and responsibility well. I loved seeing how in hindsight, so many of the experiences in his life set the stage for future blessings.

Overall, a riveting, gripping read that took my heart on a roller coaster of emotions. A tumultuous and dramatic tale of redemption and God's boundless grace. Highly recommend!


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