Friday, March 3, 2017

Newton and Polly : a Novel of Amazing Grace

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, POLLY
NEWTON AND POLLY : A NOVEL OF AMAZING GRACE

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 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:

Powerful. Intense. Awe-inspiring. All the more so because this is real life! Hedlund captures the spirit of Amazing Grace in the lives of John and Polly. Lifting doubt to faith, despair to hope in an emotional biography that reads truer than fiction.

I've always been immensely moved by this beloved hymn and I knew a little bit of the background around its conception but after reading this novel....wow -- I don't know if I have the words to convey my emotions. Amazing grace indeed.

One of the things that really struck me was the role Polly played in John's life. It had me wondering if Amazing Grace would ever have been written without her influence. She was a constant, steady beacon of faith beckoning John away from his life of degradation. The Spirit worked within her to bring him back to the fold. I'm not sure he would have ever made the changes he did without her steadfast encouragement. Such a powerful redemption story. And encouraging for those who stand in the gap for people they love in these modern times.

Hedlund's inspired words deliver a transforming love story that changed history and still touches us all.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Newton and Polly : a Novel of Amazing Grace please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 5 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!


47 comments:

  1. I would have to name this as one of the best reads of 2016 for me! Jody just has a way of bringing real life events to life in the form of fiction, and keeping you captivated in every page. I too, only knew a little about how the song Amazing Grace came to be, but after reading this book....I was, well, AMAZED! Reading John Newton's story was just, wow, I can't even find the words. This was a hard one for me to review because I just didn't know if I could do justice to the book. So much to take in!

    So glad you enjoyed this one as much as I did Kav. Jody is just one of those above average authors that never cease to amaze her readers!

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    1. I agree -- you can't go wrong with a Jody Hedlund book. And I love how she immerses her readers in an emotional journey through history.

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  2. Kav, you and Trixi have made the greatest comments...I cannot add anything except to say I LOVED THIS BOOK and glad I had the opportunity to read it!

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    1. Thanks, Jackie. Sometimes I feel like I can't find the words to express the depth of my feelings about a book. This was one of them. Truly amazing.

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  3. You had me with the first three words. "Powerful. Intense. Awe-inspiring." Sounds like a must-read. Thanks for the chance!
    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

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    1. It's a pretty profound story. Good luck, Marian.

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  4. I love her books. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. Jody is an outstanding author so I am sure this is an outstanding book. I would certainly love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity, Kav! Have a great day!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  6. Oh I loved Luther and Katrina and know I will love this one as well. Thank you for this opportunity. Kaw5931(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. You might even love it a wee bit more. I did. Good luck, Kat.

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  7. Can't wait to read this one!
    Great review, Kav. And thank you for the chance to win.

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  8. Eek! I've been wanting to read this one! Thanks for the giveaways, Kav!
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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  9. Have been wanting to read this book for awhile now!

    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. I try to read all of Jody Hedlund's books sooner than later. Good luck, Mindy.

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  10. I adore all her books, but haven't gotten this one yet!! lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  11. Amazing Grace is one of my favorite hymns!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. You will love it even more after reading this novel. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  12. I have thoroughly enjoyed the probably half dozen of Jody's books that I have read, all well researched and detailed historical romances. Thank you for the review of this more serious historical. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. She's a master at the research, isn't she? Fiction is the best way to learn about history, I think. Good luck, CC.

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  13. It's definitely one for the keeper shelf. Good luck, Kate.

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  14. Ahhhh!!! I've been dying to read this book! I've not had the opportunity yet.
    Elly -Indiana-

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    1. It's well worth the read, Elly. Good luck.

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  15. I've wanted to read this since it's release. Thank you for the chance. Blessings
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. She's a must read author, isn't she? Good luck, Lucy.

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  16. Love that her books are often based on real people!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Yes -- it's an interesting trend. A great blend of fact and fiction. Good luck, Patty.

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  17. I have heard wonderful things about this book and I'm so looking forward to reading Newton and Polly's story...I know it will stir the same feelings in me that the hymn does, and will probably make me weep as well. Thank you for the chance to win a copy, Kav!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. Oh yes Diane, you simply MUST have a good supply of Kleenex while reading this! Be prepared for waterworks :-)

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    2. It's really increased my appreciation for the hymn. Good luck, Diane.

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  18. I always hear that Jody's books are good. This one sounds really great. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win. iamabho (@) gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, Linda. Good luck.

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    2. Thanks for a minute there I thought I wrote the wrong author up by the book it says Polly Hedlund wrote the book 😀 You must've been thinking of the title when you wrote it 💖

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  19. I love reading Jody's books. She's a very talented author! I also love John Newton's story and would be thrilled to win "Newton and Polly." Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. jcjstewart88(at)msn(dot)com

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    1. She does an amazing job with their story. Good luck, Cindy.

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  20. Jody Hedlund is such an amazing author! And this book sounds like another winner!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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    1. Isn't she though? I love all her books. Good luck, Samantha.

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  21. I love all of Jody's books and am looking forward to reading this one as well! truckredford(at)Gmail(dot)com

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  22. I read the Luther one and loved it! Would love to win this one about Polly and Newton! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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    1. I like this trend of fictional biography. Good luck, Paula.

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  23. I can hardly wait to read this! Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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