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About Newton and Polly

Uncover the true love story behind the famous hymn that stirs the hearts and ignites the faith of millions around the globe.

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 either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Praise

“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 man’s 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 God’s 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 world’s best-loved hymn. Evocative and illuminating.”
—Dorothy Love, author of Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray: A Novel

“Jody Hedlund’s historical detail is immaculate, and her storytelling will bring you to tears. Newton’s 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 Hedlund’s Luther and Katharina is an absorbing and deeply researched look into the life and ministry of a figure in church history I’d previously known only from a few dusty facts. Jody breathes life into those facts with this fascinating and intimate portrayal of Martin Luther’s 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 I’ve read in ages.”
—Lori Benton, author of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and The Wood’s 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

About Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling and award-winning author of more than a dozen books. Among a variety of genres, she especially loves bringing long-forgotten women of history to life. She is the author of Luther and Katharina, which was awarded the ECPA Book of the Year Award in Fiction. Her other novels have won the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christy Award. She resides in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

Product Details

400 pages | Published by WaterBrook

On Sale Date: Sep 20, 2016

Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4

Carton Quantity: 24

Sneak Peek

Click Here to download the first chapter of Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

About Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

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 either 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.

Press Release

For Immediate Release                                                         Lisa Beech, Assistant Director of Publicity
Multnomah,                                                                                                                           719-268-1917
Penguin Random House, LLC.                                                          lbeech@penguinrandomhouse.com

 
Can Amazing Grace Transform the Heart of a Prodigal Son?

Award-Winning Author Jody Hedlund Chronicles the Surprising Union Between John Newton, the Writer of the Well-known Hymn “Amazing Grace,” and Polly Catlett, the Love of His Life
 
When the words “amazing grace” are spoken, inevitably the iconic hymn echoes in the ears of those who have grown up in or out of the church. It is a song that is sung at least ten million times a year. No other song (spiritual or secular) comes close to the number of recordings. The story of John Newton, the author who penned the forever living hymn, and the love of his life Polly, is one of forgiveness and amazing grace.
 
Acclaimed novelist Jody Hedlund, in her new book, Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace (WaterBrook Press, September 20, 2016) invites readers into the tempestuous world of eighteenth-century England, where war loomed on the horizon like a dark cloud and smugglers and slave traders thundered over the few men still clinging to integrity. Out of these shadowy depths, she illuminates the exhilarating love story.
 
Newton, the prodigal atheist slave trader lived a vile life, far from the hopes of his father and mother. Determined to be successful and prove he was worthy of Polly’s love………
 
“I had heard a little bit about John Newton’s saving grace moment when he was aboard a ship during a life-threatening storm and cried out to God. However, I’d never heard anything about the love of his life, Polly Catlett, until I began to dig a little deeper into his life. It didn’t take me long to realize that Newton had a passionate love for her, and his love for her affected just about every decision he made for good and bad. There’s is a beautiful love story, one that God used in a powerful way. I decided it was a story the world needed to hear,” states Hedlund.
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling and award-winning author of fourteen books. Among a variety of genres, she especially loves bringing long-forgotten women of history to life. She is the author of Luther and Katharina, which was awarded the ECPA Book of the Year Award in Fiction. Her other novels have won the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christy Award. She resides in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.
 
Hedlund has been featured by numerous media outlets, including Publishers Weekly, Romantic Times and Library Journal. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Currently, she resides in Midland, Michigan with her husband and five children.
 
 
Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodyHedlund
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/

“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 man’s 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 God’s 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 world’s best-loved hymn. Evocative and illuminating.”
—Dorothy Love, author of Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray: A Novel

“Jody Hedlund’s historical detail is immaculate, and her storytelling will bring you to tears. Newton’s 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 Hedlund’s Luther and Katharina is an absorbing and deeply researched look into the life and ministry of a figure in church history I’d previously known only from a few dusty facts. Jody breathes life into those facts with this fascinating and intimate portrayal of Martin Luther’s 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 I’ve read in ages.”
—Lori Benton, author of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and The Wood’s 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

Contact Publicist

Lisa Beech