Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund (English) Paperback B

Description: Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund "Acclaimed novelist Jody Hedlund brings the real story of "Amazing Grace" to page in a thrilling tale of the love story of John Newton and Polly Catlett"-- FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Acclaimed novelist Jody Hedlund brings the real story of "Amazing Grace" to page in a thrilling tale of the love story of John Newton and Polly Catlett. John Newton fell in love with Polly Catlett at first sight. But Polly was unable to return the affections of the rebellious, worldly young man and her father ordered the aimless John away from her. Not long after, John was pressed into serving in the Navy. He saw Polly one last time before leaving England but Polly couldnt promise any future to him. After four years away, John is called back to England on family matters. But John was heavily, blindly involved in the slave trade and had no desire to return. John Sr. used his sons undying love for Polly to lure him home. On that treacherous voyage back to England, in the midst of a terrible storm, John finally experienced salvation and began moving towards, eventually, crusading against slavery. Back at home, John must work hard to convince wise-beyond-her-years Polly Catlett that he is a changed man and worthy of her. Author Biography Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author. Among a variety of writing genres, she especially loves bringing long-forgotten women of history to life. She makes her home in Midland, Michigan with her husband and five busy children. When shes not writing, you can usually find Jody sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading. Review "Amazing Grace, indeed! Newton and Polly is one of the most powerful love stories I have ever read, wrenching the heart and waking the soul. If you read one book this year, this should be it. —Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series"A powerfully moving account of one mans epic journey from doubt and despair into a world of radiant faith. Newton and Polly is impeccably researched and punctuated with glints of genuine humor… I loved it!" —Elizabeth Camden, RITA® and Christy award-winning author"A sweeping tale rife with adventure, love, and Gods relentless pursuit of his own. With her signature depth and detail, Jody Hedlund plunges her readers into a fascinating and powerful story that has gone untold—until now. Set sail with Newton and Polly and become anchored in amazing grace." —Jocelyn Green, award-winning author of the Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series"In this story of the lives of John Newton and Polly Catlett, author Jody Hedlund skillfully weaves together the history, romance, and Christian faith that inspired the worlds best-loved hymn. Evocative and illuminating." —Dorothy Love, author of Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray: A Novel"Jody Hedlunds historical detail is immaculate, and her storytelling will bring you to tears. Newtons conversion was truly remarkable, sparking a legacy that has impacted millions of lives. Newton and Polly invites readers into that powerful experience." —Sigmund Brouwer, award-winning author of Thief of Glory Praise for the Christy and ECPA Novel of the Year Luther and Katharina"Jody Hedlunds Luther and Katharina is an absorbing and deeply researched look into the life and ministry of a figure in church history Id previously known only from a few dusty facts. Jody breathes life into those facts with this fascinating and intimate portrayal of Martin Luthers life. Luther and Katharina is a compelling tale of tested faith, tumultuous church history, and incredible courage against daunting odds—and one of the most unique love stories Ive read in ages." —Lori Benton, author of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and The Woods Edge"Complex and emotionally rich, Luther and Katharina gripped me from the very start and never let go. Not even when the final page was turned. The history, the love story, the depth of faith in this novel is masterfully woven by Jody Hedlund." —Tamera Alexander, USA Today best-selling author of To Win Her Favor and A Lasting Impression Review Quote "Amazing Grace, indeed! Newton and Polly is one of the most powerful love stories I have ever read, wrenching the heart and waking the soul. If you read one book this year, this should be it. --Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series "A powerfully moving account of one mans epic journey from doubt and despair into a world of radiant faith. Newton and Polly is impeccably researched and punctuated with glints of genuine humor... I loved it!" --Elizabeth Camden, RITA Excerpt from Book December 1742 Chatham, England I fear that our wassailing has become a nuisance." Polly Catlett slowed her steps, her toes aching in the stiff leather of her boots, the damp chill of December finally taking its toll. "Nonsense." Susanna Smith linked her arm into Pollys and dragged her toward the front door of the tenant farmhouse that stood across the road from the Blue Anchor Inn. "Youve such a pretty voice. You could never be a nuisance." One of Susannas friends, an older Quaker widow who held the beribbonned wassail bowl, knocked on the farmhouse door, while the others in the wassailing group formed a semicircle for the singing. A mangy mutt had announced their presence with deepthroated barking that echoed in the crisp cloudlessness of the coming night. The fading golden brocade that streaked the sky overhead was all that remained of the daylight but enough to show the frozen rosy splotches on each of their noses and cheeks. Enough for Polly to glimpse tension on the face of the older Quaker widow. "This is the last house," Polly whispered to Susanna, flexing her aching fingers inside her wool mittens. "Then we shall return home." "Of course," Susanna conceded as the door opened and bright light poured out upon them, illuminating a spark in Susannas eyes, a spark Polly knew all too well. A spark that meant something was afoot. The Quaker widow stepped away from the door and took her place among other Dissenters in the group who were attired in plain and unadorned garments as was their custom. Earlier, after Susanna had convinced Polly to join her for the wassailing, Polly wasnt entirely surprised to discover that their company was made up of Susannas Dissenter friends. Susanna made no pretense about her strong political views and never passed up an opportunity to gather with like-minded friends whenever she came to visit. Although Polly would have preferred to wassail with friends from her own social circle, she hadnt been able to begrudge Susanna the favor. Nor had she been able to resist an opportunity to sing, even if the group was strange and sober. Susannas poke through her heavy cloak was Pollys sign to begin her song. As the open doorway filled with several women, Polly took her place at the fringe of the group and hummed several notes before starting, "A jolly wassail bowl, a wassail of good ale . . ." The others allowed her to sing the first stanza by herself, and her voice lifted clear and pure with the melody of the traditional song. A hush fell over the women who were now stepping out of the farmhouse. As her song rose, even the dog stopped its barking. At the Blue Anchor Inn across the road, she could feel the attention of several patrons upon her, men who were either coming to or going from the alehouse. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that one stocky man had leaned his shoulder against the weathered clapboards and was staring at her from beneath the triangular brim of his cocked hat. Susanna glanced toward the barn at the rear of the farmhouse and squeezed Pollys arm. "Sing another verse." Susannas request was met with a murmur of assent from the hefty woman facing them, likely the farmers wife with her milkmaids and scullery girls behind her. Polly didnt need much prodding to continue. Her song filled the air, drawing the plump, almost square-shaped farmer away from the barn toward them. With a limping gait, he lagged behind several boys, likely his sons. Polly was warmed with a small measure of satisfaction that her singing could please others so readily. Later when she was alone, she would offer prayers of contrition for her vanity, but for now, she was helpless but to release the melody. She sang several more stanzas by herself as the crowd expanded the same way it had at their previous stops. Finally, Susanna and her friends joined in, finishing the song. Together they sang the chorus two more times before offering the wassail bowl to the farmer and then to his wife. The drink was no longer bubbling hot as it had been at their first visit. Nevertheless, everyone sipped from the bowl and praised the sweet spiciness of fine ale and roasted crab apple blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. In exchange for the songs and drink, the farmwife had her maids pass out an apple to each of the wassailers. The chatter of the singers mingled with those of the farmer and his family, but the laughter this time was different, louder, more forced. Or maybe Polly was merely unnerved by the young man who continued to lean nonchalantly against the Blue Anchor and stare at her. The other patrons had listened for a verse or two before hustling on their way. But this one hadnt budged, not even when theyd finished singing. The shadows of the early evening prevented her from seeing his features clearly, but from the glimpse or two shed caught, he was certainly dashing enough to make her squirm. Polly focused her attention on Susanna, who was speaking to the farmers wife. "Tis true. We are ahead of the festivities for our wassailing as weve not yet celebrated Twelfth Night. But we were in a joyous mood this day and thought to spread our cheer." The farmers wife boxed one of the boys in his ear for drinking too long from the wassail bowl. "We wont complain that youve come. Especially since your sister has such a pretty voice." "Im not-- " Polly started to explain that Susanna was her aunt, her mothers youngest sister, but Susanna cut her off. "I concur," Susanna said with a smile and toss of her dark ringlets from beneath her wide-brimmed straw hat. "She does have a pretty voice." Susanna was vivacious even in the fading daylight. Next to Susannas ravishing beauty and charm, Polly often felt like a pale golden embroidery thread set against a dark lush tapestry. Although shed inherited her mothers fairness, there were times when Polly secretly lamented that her mother hadnt given her more of the French ancestral heritage, which had apparently been bequeathed upon Susanna to the fullest. "If I were making the laws," Susanna continued, "Id deem the entire month of December-- and not just twelve days-- be devoted to celebrating Christmas. But unfortunately, Im not part of the monarchy." Susanna peered around the farmyard and beyond to the stretch of road that led away from Chatham into the open countryside. If Polly didnt know better, shed almost believe Susanna was looking for someone. Her Quaker friends, too, were glancing around more than usual. With the coming of night, perhaps they were merely nervous about the need to return to their homes. Nothing good ever happened after darkness, particularly near the River Medway where dangerous smugglers had become all too common in recent months. "Shall we be on our way?" Polly leaned into Susanna as far as the fan hoops on her petticoat would allow. "I vow, its time to go before were left to wander in total darkness." Susanna lifted one inky brow at her widowed friend, who in turn gave a slight shake of her head as though to tell her "Not yet." The unspoken communication between the Quaker widow and Susanna only made Polly more wary. Something more than wassailing was happening tonight. Of that she was growing certain. Were Susanna and her friends arranging one of their protests tonight? During her last visit, Susanna had secretly participated in passing out pamphlets expressing disapproval of the slave trade and stressing the need for reforms. Polly hadnt known of the clandestine activities until she found a stack of pamphlets in Susannas bag. When she confronted Susanna, her aunt swore her to silence. "Perhaps one more song from my dear sister Mary?" Susanna asked, raising her voice along with Pollys mittened hand. Susannas slanted glance told Polly not to question her pretense over being sisters or the use of her given name, Mary, rather than her nickname. Susannas squeeze told her to just sing. At the ensuing enthusiasm from the farmer and his household, Polly had no choice but to indulge them in spite of her unease. Once the last notes of melody drifted away, she was relieved when the members of their wassailing group tightened their cloaks and with brief good-byes started down the lane toward Rochester where many of the Quakers lived. "Neednt we go the other way?" Polly asked, increasing her stride to keep up with Susannas lengthy one. She caught the edge of her flat straw hat to keep it from blowing off her head. Underneath she wore a bonnet-like cap edged in lace, which although stylish did little to keep her ears warm. "We shall accompany our friends a short distance before turning around," Susanna said tersely, with a sharp look over her shoulder toward the farmhouse. They were already on the outskirts of Chatham on the highroad that would eventually wind its way through Rochester and north to London. The road ran close to the bank of the River Medway, and the dampness from the river and the nearby North Sea made the December air especially biting. As they walked Pollys breath came in cloudy bursts that disappeared into the lengthening twilight shadows. No one spoke, and in the complete silence, their footsteps against the hard-packed, frozen dirt sounded choppy and hurried. If she didnt know better, shed suspect they were running away from someone. "Why are we so som Details ISBN1601427646 Author Jody Hedlund Short Title NEWTON & POLLY Pages 400 Language English ISBN-10 1601427646 ISBN-13 9781601427649 Media Book Format Paperback Year 2016 Subtitle A Novel of Amazing Grace DEWEY 813.6 Place of Publication Colorado Springs Country of Publication United States AU Release Date 2016-09-20 NZ Release Date 2016-09-20 US Release Date 2016-09-20 UK Release Date 2016-09-20 Publisher Waterbrook Press (A Division of Random House Inc) Publication Date 2016-09-20 Imprint Waterbrook Press Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:137920419;

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