I’m super excited about the release of my next book, Newton and Polly, which hits shelves Sept. 20, next Tuesday!!
This is another historical fiction in the same vein as Luther and Katharina. And this one is about another hero of the faith, the writer of Amazing Grace, John Newton the atheist slave trader, and his beloved bride Polly Catlett.
One of the things I really enjoy doing with my historical fiction is shining the spotlight on a forgotten woman of the past. Unless you saw the Broadway show, “Amazing Grace” last year, you probably don’t know much about Polly Catlett (also known as Mary).
I certainly didn’t know Polly existed, not until I started digging deeper into Newton’s life. What I discovered about their relationship amazed me. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that without her, Newton may never have been drawn away from the slave trade and thus may never have written the most moving hymn the world has ever known.
I’m thrilled to be able to bring Polly Catlett out of the shadows and into the spotlight. But I have to admit the process of bringing this book to life was extremely painful on many levels. In fact, I’d even go as far as saying that Newton and Polly is the hardest book I’ve written.
First the book was challenging to write on a technical level. The plot spans many years from the time Newton and Polly first meet until the end when they finally reach their happily-ever-after. I had to figure out how to breech the passages of time realistically as well as deciding which scenes to bring to life and which ones to summarize.
Second the book was difficult on an emotional level. I went through a period of spiritual rebellion during my youth, and so Newton’s spiritual falling away dredged up feelings regarding that. Now as a mother of a prodigal son, I found that writing about Newton’s rejection of God and his estranged relationship with his father took on a much more personal meaning.
Finally the book was challenging on an editorial level. The macro edits (aka content edits) were especially brutal. My editor made a lot of suggestions for changes that were spot-on, but also required a great deal of rewriting. I literally spent hours upon hours for an entire month attempting to polish the book. Even after that, I still had additional rewriting during a later edit.
While Newton and Polly was a difficult book to write, I’m happy to report that it turned out to be a powerful and moving story about God’s grace. It moved me to tears the very last time I read it for my final edit.
Now, I’m beginning to get reviews from early readers who are being moved as well. One of the ladies on my launch team said this in our Facebook Group: “Oh goodness Jody, you did it again!!! Wrote the most emotionally charged, amazingly beautiful story I’ve had the pleasure of reading!! I don’t know how I’m ever going to write a review worthy of this book. My heart is full.”
If you pre-order the book by Sept. 19, you can get a free PDF for a beautiful Amazing Grace print (shown in the picture below). For more information, visit my publisher’s website.
To celebrate the book’s release next week, I’m giving away TWO signed copies of Newton and Polly here on this blog! Enter the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win!
What (if anything!) do you know about John Newton? Are you familiar with his “amazing grace” story or is it brand new to you?
Jody Hedlund
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I know a little of his story but not much. Never heard of Polly either so I’m excited to read the book.
I don’t know very much about JN and nothing about Polly so am looking forward to reading this one. Thank you for the opportunity. Here’s hoping…
I do not know anything about John Newton. This sounds like a wonderful inspiring book. Cannot wait to read it!!
I don’t know much about John Newton other than he wrote Amazing Grace and the story behind the song. I haven’t heard anything about Polly.
I know a fair bit about John Newton. I’ve heard a lot of his story through several different mediums (book, movie, radio drama, etc.) through the years. Such an amazing (haha, sorry) story of redemption and grace. 🙂
I, too, know little and am very intrigued by this very well researched book. I have read and enjoyed others of Jody’s books.
I am vaguely familiar with John Newton’s story because my former pastor once spoke about it during a sermon. I’ve been meaning to do a little more research on it, so your book would be a wonderful way to accomplish that!
I can’t wait to read this! I’ve enjoyed every book of yours that I’ve read, and am so excited to dive into this one!
I don’t really know the story behind Amazing Grace. It’s a song that means a lot to many, cluding me. Thanks!
I know nothing behind “Amazing Grace”, but it is one of my favorite hymns! I’d love to read this book!
I always known John Newton was a slave trader who was saved by God’s “amazing grace” and wrote the song “Amazing Grace”. I did not think about a spouse or family at all. I can’t wait to read this book as I just finished your book “The Daring Sacrifice” and loved it. Thank you for your hard work!
It’s all new to me.
I know a good bit about John Newton, having grew up in church, attended private Christian school, and played the piano for most of my life (the first hymn I learned was Amazing Grace, and my teacher at that time wanted me to know the story behind hymns that I learned). But I never even thought about a family life. I’m excited to read this one and learn more about a remarkable man!
I’m excited to learn more about John Newton. I know a little about his background and the story behind Amazing Grace but I don’t know much about the rest of his life.
Hi Jody, It was so interesting to read more about the process of writing Newton and Polly, and I’m looking forward to reading it! I first learned about Newton when we homeschooled and we read his biography. He also played a part in the movie Amazing Grace about Wilberforce. I love your idea of writing about forgotten women in history! Brilliant!
I know a little about this story, but when a book touches an author this much, I know it will speak to me, too!
I do not know much about him…just love the song Amazing Grace. I would love to read the book. Thanks.
I remember hearing Newtons story countless times in Sunday school. It was such a beautiful story of redemption. I think it’s great that you wrote about Luther, and now Newton. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
Jody this book sounds like something I MUST read. Will absolutely get my hands on it and it will go to the top of my TBR pile. I love the cover ! I’ve always heard the account of Newton and his history. Love the hymn Amazing Grace. Thanks for all the time you put into this book. For pouring your heart into it. Thanks for the giveaway also. Hope this book wins an award for you!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of John Newton, but I’m definitely familiar with “Amazing Grace” 🙂
Being a long time hymn singer, I’ve always been moved by the story behind Newton’s song. But I never realized there was a woman who helped him on his journey to finding that amazing grace. I’m definitely intrigued, Jody! And the cover is gorgeous! I’m sure it will be another fabulous read. 🙂
Wow! I loved reading this today. I know very little about John Newton and nothing about Polly so I would love to read your new book. It sounds like a powerful true story and all about amazing grace that only God gives. Thank you for writing “Newton and Polly”.
I’ve always loved the story of John Newton and Mary. “Amazing Grace” is one of my favorite hymns. I can’t wait to read this book!
I do not know much about his story, but I’m excited to read all about it!! 😀
Congratulations on the release of Newton & Polly, Jody!
Your uber-efforts were well worth it! It is one of the most moving stories that I have read in a long time and exemplifies God’s unconditional love through the lives of two people who were willing vessels . . . . . . . at least after some pretty rough “bumps in the road” to redemption.
It’s always good to learn more history of inspirational people. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m really looking forward to this book. I’ve seen a movie that was put out a few years ago which showed some of the reasons why he wrote the song, how he stood up in Parliament and worked against slavery. It was a really well filmed movie.
I LOVE the song and truly feel it in my heart.
Thanks for writing this book and reminding us that it’s only by God’s grace are we saved.
I don’t know anything about the Amazing Grace story. I am anxious to read about it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
I know very little about Newton’s story. I’m looking forward to learning more. Thank you for the opportunity to learn with this giveaway.
I have read about John Newton and parts of his life from a book I have about the origins of some of our hymns. I know nothing about Polly. I am intrigued by this story and would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
I don’t know John Newton’s story. Would love to read your book!
I never even knew a thing about him until I watched the movie, “Amazing Grace.” Since then, I have found some other hymns written by him that are absolutely amazing! My favorite is probably one called, “I Asked The Lord” that he wrote in 1779. :]
I know very little about John Newton; I’m excited to check out his story and learn more!
Sounds like a great book!
I do know about John Newton’s story, but always like more details.
Such a beautiful story! Looking forward to reading it!
I love learning about people in our faith. I have seen the Amazing Grace Movie. I look forward to learning more.
Becky B
I know about him and his story of Amazing Grace , but I never heard of Polly. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway!
P.S. My name is Polly !😊
I know a little about him. Sounds like a inspiring book.
Yes, I’m familiar w/ John Newton’s story…and, if I was asked to guess a hymn that I’ve played (piano) the most in church (& even for funerals) I would have to say “Amazing Grace!”
I am very familiar with his story a d love the song. I hope to learn something new in hour book.
Some food for thought on the reasons why this was the hardest book…I sure would be overjoyed if I could have a chance to read it…thanks for the giveaway
I’m familiar with the story, somewhat. But not enough to have heard of Polly.
I can’t wait to read this story, as I love the story of Newton, and am looking forward to seeing how you bring this story to life. I read Luther and Katharina, and loved it.
I know bits and pieces of his story, but looking forward to learning more! Thank you for this amazing giveaway!
I am so glad you decided to write this story because I absolutely love the song. I know the story of Newton some what but not enough to have heard about Polly. I am really looking forward to reading this book!
I love Amazing Grace the song,sounds like and amazing book.
I don’t know much about John Newton, but I can’t wait to find out. Also, the cover is AMAZING!!
I don’t know anything about John Newton or the story behind the song. Would love to win your book to find out about both.
I love the story of John Newton! I am very excited about your book. Thanks to Focus on the Family’s dramatized version Amazing Grace: Grace Abounding, I am familiar with his story. It is such a powerful story, and full of hope in knowing that God saved the heart of a very lost human being. I can’t wait to learn more of his story through the pages of your book!
I don’t know much about John Newton, I do vaguely remember that he was a slave trader at some point.
I know absolutely nothing about Newton! I’m so curious to learn about his life now, though! Growing up, my mom would play Amazing Grace. I can’t even think about it now without tearing up! I’ve gotten softer in my adult years! lol
Oh, I want one of your books signed so badly. This one sounds great.
The story of John Newton is so interesting to me, both historically and spiritually. I’d love to see more of it through historical fiction like this one. “Amazing Grace,” is, of course, one of the foundational songs of the Christian repertoire. It’s such a beautiful song, and knowing the story behind it always makes it mean even more to me.
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
I have heard the story of how John Newton discovered Amazing Grace 🙂 Your book is a must read on my list of most wanted!!
Your book about John Newton and Polly has to be amazing! I remember reading his colorful yet awesome biography years ago. Certainly he is one of the major heroes of our faith. But Polly is quite new to me as far as memory goes at least, but I have no doubt she was a powerful influence in his life.
Thank you for this wonderful, generous offer. May God continue to bless and guide you as you seek to glorify Him.
I did know the basic story of John Newton and how he came to write Amazing Grace, one of the most often sung hymns in our church. In fact, on a trip to Maine in July, we stayed in our favorite hotel, which is our favorite because of the beautiful music played nightly in the great room by a fantastic pianist, who has become our friend. Bill played Amazing Grace on our first evening back, announcing it was for my husband, a recently retired Methodist minister.
Can’t wait to read this book!
I, too, don’t know much about John Newton’s personal life so I am seriously looking forward to this book! Glad you persevered! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jody, I am so excited about reading Newton & Polly! I’ve heard much of John’s story but not Polly. Thank you for bringing history to life and making it so entertaining!
Love the story behind Amazing Grace, but don’t know much about Polly. Loved Luther and Katharina, so can’t wait to read this one!
I have heard bits and pieces (such as the fact that he was a slave trader) but the story is largely new to me. I’m looking forward to reading it! And thanks for the giveaway!
I know very little about the story, but I can’t wait to read your book about it! I loved your Martin Luther story!
I think he is brand new to me. Thanks for this opportunity.
I know very little about Newton, but knew he was an influence on Wilberforce in England regarding the slave trade. An example of what one life sold out to Jesus can do. Thanks for the entry.
I’m familiar with some of his story and how he came to write Amazing Grace.
I pinned on Pinterest.
I know a little of his story and look forward to reading the book!
I’ve seen the “Amazing Grace” movie but I’m eager to learn more about the Newtons!
I know a little bit about John Newton from watching the movie Amazing Grace, but I’m excited to learn more through this book!
There was a Amazing Grace movie made in 2007.It was really good.Ian Gruffud played William Wilberforce and Albert Finney played John Newton.I have read several of your books and really enjoyed them.Thanks for the free giveaways.Diana G.
It is new too me.
Don’t know much about their story. Would love to read this!
Brand new to me!
Your book sounds amazing! I don’t know much about John Newton or Polly, but I’m anxious to find out more about them. Thanks for sharing about your writing of the story!
Hello Jody! I know very little of John Newton. I love how you glorify the Lord by writing with a spirit of excellence. I LOVE the depth of the spiritual truths you weave into your stories! I am excited about this release!
Congratulations on your book Jody!
I know a little about John Newton but nothing about Polly.
Blessings,Tina
I am not familiar with this story…I would love to win.
I’ve never heard about Polly.
I am somewhat familiar with John Newton’s story. Mostly from an episode of the kids radio show Adventures In Odyssey and a little bit from reading here and there. Thank you for sharing this post with us and for the giveaway!
Blessings!
Jasmine
I don’t know anything about the Amazing Grace story, but I love Jody’s books and I can’t wait to read this one too.
I know just a little about John Newton but nothing about his wife. I would love to learn about him and the beautiful song Amazing Grace.
I really enjoyed hearing more about this story, Jody. I don’t know much about John Newton or Polly. I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway!
Not much, apparently. You have me intrigued to read about him and Polly. 🙂
Oooo I would love to win this book!
I saw the movie ‘Amazing Grace’ and have sung the hymn all my life, I know nothing about Polly. I’ve read numerous wonderful comments about ‘Newton and Polly’ and so look forward to reading it!! Congrats, and thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
I teach music at a public elementary school. “Amazing Grace” is included in one of our music text books along with a brief history of the event that led to Newton writing the song.
I have enjoyed your previous books and am looking forward to reading Newton and Polly.
I don’t know anything about John Newton. Would really enjoy reading your book.
I’ve been inspired by John Newton’s life story for years. And I’m excited to read your new book about him and Polly. Blessings on it and you!
I knew John Newton was a former slave trader but don’t know the story of how he got from that to being the man who wrote “Amazing Grace.” This is a book I certainly want to read.
I’ve read John Newton’s book ‘Out of the Depths’ and loved it. It’s one of my favorite autobiographies. I’m really looking forward to reading your new novel about him!
I don’t know anything about it. It would be totally new to me Thanks
Sounds like an awesome book. I love the song “Amazing Grace”.
It would be new to me, but I look forward to learning more! Thanks for the giveaway!
I think I have read another book about this topic but I look forward to reading yours.
Thereadmaster@me.com
I know very little about John Newton and I am anxious to read this book.
I have enjoyed your books based on historical couples. One of the first books I read by you was The Preacher’s Bride. I was hooked.
Jody,
Mr Newton story is indeed amazing. Our pastor did a series on famous Christian and share Mr Newtons story in that sermon. I would love to win a copy of your book!😃😃
I only know a little bit about John Newton; the story behind “Amazing Grace”…Thank you for the chance to win!!
Wow. This just made me more excited to read Newton and Polly! I’ve always loved Jody’s books. Thank you so much for the chance to win this book!
I love the hymn but really don’t know anything about either John Newton or his wife. Looking forward to reading the book soon! Loved all your Beacons of Hope books. I’m from Upper MIchigan so it’s nice to read about back home!
I have heard a little about John Newton and the Amazing Grace song. I would love to dive deeper to read and learn more about John and Polly.
I love the story of John Newton (I have even used it as part of a devotional in my class), but I don’t know the story of Polly. I can’t wait to read this book.
Congratulations on what sounds like a wonderful novel! I know very little about John Newton, only that he had been a slave trader who gave it up after becoming a Christian. I, too had a long period of rebellion, so while I don’t want to think about those years anymore because of the things I did, I do know that I am forgiven because of the shed blood of Jesus. Getting that from my head to my heart isn’t always easy. I do hope your son returns to faith sooner rather than later.
I love the song and knew he was a slave trader but do not know the story. Nor do I know anything of the story of Newton and Polly. I am looking forward to reading the story. The storyline sounds powerful and something I can relate to.
I know nothing of this story but I’m so looking forward to reading this book! It sounds SO good!
I have heard of John Newtons story in two different sermons by two different pastors, both had some major differences on what happened in his life, so it will be interesting to read your version.
“Amazing Grace” is my favorite hymn, not only for it’s beautiful message and melody, but because it is so well-suited for any situation that life throws my way! I’m excited to read about the man behind the song – and the woman behind the man.
I do know a little bit about John Newton’s story. Nothing as in-depth as this book would hit on though, especially in regards to his life with Polly. I love historical fiction, and am SO excited to read this new book by Jody. Winning is always better though for my budget!
Also, loving the cover art on this book. It really seems to fit the theme of the book! ♡
I’ve seen the movie “Amazing Grace” that is mostly about William Wilberforce, but also has John Newton in it. I’ve also read some historical fiction books that have John Newton as a minor character. I’d love to read a whole book about him though.
I am familiar with the name, John Newton, but that seems to be the extent of my knowledge of him. This book sounds incredible – I love books that encourage me to change!
I have heard very little about the story behind “Amazing Grace” so I’m excited to read your new book! 🙂
I had heard atchurch that John Newton wrote this song after the death of his wife (and child, I believe) at sea. I’ll let you fill in the details.
I know a little about John Newton’s story, but I don’t remember ever hearing about Polly Catlett before. I look forward to reading their story. I have read several of your books, including Luther and Katharina, and really enjoyed them.
I saw a little about the story of the song from a Gaither’s tv show. The singer was a black man that explained the song can be played on all the black piano keys. He explained the writer was an overseer on a slave ship & heard a slave singing / chanting below deck. I’ll add it to my “TBR” list. I sounds so good. Thank you for offering the giveaway. Be thankful in call things.
Thanks for sharing your personal connection to the book and why it was a hard book to write. God is more than likely using this writing experience to give you peace about your son. Best wishes to you.
I’ve read a brief recap of John Newton, but nothing in depth. Sounds like a powerful book!
Saw a tweet about this book from my friend Lindsey Bell. I always am interested in learning about authors and this book looks really good. I hope to read it soon and add it to my list of reviews.
Yes I do know about his story. I have this book on my to order list.
I actually know the basic story of “Amazing Grace”, and knowing it makes the hymn have even more meaning than it already does. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Thank you!
In reading about William Wilberforce and the fight to end the slave trade, I’ve come across John Newton, and of course heard about him because of the song Amazing Grace.
Think sounds like another amazing book, Jody. I really can’t say I know anything about John Newton, but look forward to reading your take on him and Polly.