Newton and Polly

A Novel of Amazing Grace

By: Jody Hedlund

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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-18th century, as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton was a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty was to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father - until the night he heard Polly Catlett's enchanting voice caroling. He was immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly formed between the two, but John's reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life were concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern left John imprisoned and bound, Polly had to choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Would she forfeit her future for the man she loved?

Step back through 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.

©2016 Jody Hedlund (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Seriously wonderful! I couldn't stop listening!

This book was so splendidly wonderful I literally could not stop listening! I love this author she is so very enthralling. She gets my mind so interested in these characters that I seriously cannot get anything done at my house! My husband is going crazy because all I want to do is listen to her book! The characters of John and Polly are so sweet and so riveting that it was hard to stop thinking about them while I had to go to work. I love that this author is so true to history. Give it a try he won't want to stop.

Ending is worth it

I almost gave up on this book... The journey of Newton and Polly became so long, repetitive and arduous it was almost painful. Yet, I also see the ground work the author was trying to lay to truly portray the depth of Newton's "wretched" state. It's not an enjoyable journey, but any story of God's amazing grace is worth listening to. In the end, it makes you appreciate Newton's penmanship that much more, the words of Amazing Grace that much more poignant.

Wonderfully Written

Would you listen to Newton and Polly again? Why?

Absolutely wonderful story of love and overcoming the worst storms in your life

What other book might you compare Newton and Polly to and why?

I don't think I've read a book that would compare.

What does Saskia Maarleveld bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She has such a wonderful voice and so easy to listen to.

If you could rename Newton and Polly, what would you call it?

nothing love the name

Any additional comments?

powerful story I recommend for everyone.

The end

The book was very good as far as a story goes. The narrative was very well done. Easy to follow and I enjoyed the voice. But my favorite part was the end and the aurora notes. I’m always curious about how a book came to be and what is fact and what is the story part. She did an incredible job with the notes and very appreciative of all those very important facts. From slave trader to pastor. What miracles God brings.

So Enjoyable

This story of John Newton & Polly was a step back in history for me. It showed how the providential hand of God works behind the scene in lives that He has His hand upon. It was encouraging to see how as a couple Polly & John were arranged by God to to orchestrate a song that transcends time & touches hearts to know God's amazing grace. Thank you for all your efforts to produce this amazing story for all to see what transpired to bring this beloved hymn to generations of seekers who long to know God's amazing grace. 🙏🏻💕

Great Historical Record

I have always loved the song, "Amazing Grace". I cross stitched it and framed it. At the end this author tells that there were only a few things not quite correct These were only minor insignificant changes and everything else was true. A very worthwhile read and a credit well spent!

Captivating and Visual Historical Novel

From start to finish, the author captivates the reader by drawing them into sights, sounds and smells of historical London and the sad state of the slave trades. The sailors are debauched, stinky, and drunk.

Love this author's style and can't wait to hear her next book.

Very touching moving story

I enjoyed this book very much. It is thought provoking and uplifting. If you are looking for a good Christian book you should enjoy this book

An “AMAZING” history lesson

I had not heard the story is AMAZING GRACE, even some parts are fictional, what a story to behold. Thank you so very much for this lesson of faith, the struggles were hard, but God knew what he was doing. God allows us choice, it’s up to us to live according to our ways until hopefully we see the light and accept God’s Grace.

Christian Historical Romance

This was an epic tale and tremendously well written! Be aware, though, that this story is filled with many wonderful sweet moments of young love, one horrific scene describing John's whipping that was so bad, it reminded me of Jesus's torture, disgusting reflections of John's work in the slave trade, and his escapades with drinking and women.

Yet, the moment of John's acceptance of the truth of God and His love for that wretched man, is enough to bring any reader to his or her knees in prayer! May every reader and listener put their trust in Christ's death, resurrection, and promise to return for His bride!

This story was very much like the prodigal son parable, and the storm that led to Jonah being swallowed by a great fish is very similar to the storm John almost died in!

God is quite incredible in His pursuit of His children, and this story is just one spellbinding plight of God's amazing grace for His beloved.

I loved this narrator! Her character voices were spot on, but I don't know about a few words. Do the English really pronounce wassailing like that? I've never heard it pronounced that way.
But besides that and one other word I can't recall right now, I thought she was perfect!!!