Wow! This book was captivating from the start and I couldn't seem to put it down. I had recently heard a story while working in my church's Jr. Church about the life of John Newton and his love Polly, so I knew a little about what I was getting into to. Jody deserves more than the five stars that are given in this review.

I was provided an ARC of Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund in exchange for an honest review. When I first started Newton and Polly I was very hesitant and didn't think that I would enjoy this story. Boy was I wrong. Newton and Polly takes place in England in the 1740's. England and France are on the brink of war, the slave trade is booming, and the smuggling of goods is plentiful. Jody Hedlund's beautiful prose brought 18th Century England to life. Jody had me laughing, crying, and yelling with frustration throughout John Newton's story. I felt John's pain as he struggled with his faith, with his love for Polly, and with trying to figure out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. I highly recommend Newton and Polly to anyone who loves an historical romance or is a fan of Jane Austen.