Review: Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace

Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund was an incredible story. I have read all of the author's books based on prominent people and not one of these books has ever been dull or lifeless. Her latest book is no exception. As I read this story, the characters came alive with feelings of love and despair, happiness and bitterness, and contentment and sadness.

John Newton is a rowdy, irresponsible, seventeen year old when he meets quiet, good, kind fifteen year old Polly Catlett. Immediately drawn to each other they try to remain just friends since they are both so young, but it proves futile. Then when John is impressed into the Royal Navy everything changes. Filled with anger and bitterness of the unfairness of his life, John decides to turn one day of Christmas leave into a week because a few hours with Polly is not enough. When Polly's father finds out he tells Newton that he's not welcome in his house anymore. Newton leaves furious, and Polly is devastated. Will they ever see each other again?

I never knew how amazing John Newton's story was until I read this book. Intrigued by how much was true, I immediately checked out his story before I even finished reading the book because I had to know more! I see now why he wrote such a moving, popular hymn, "Amazing Grace", for he truly did live an amazing life and was redeemed by God's free gift of grace. I highly recommend this book to any book lover, and I know you historical fiction fans like me will especially love this story of love, redemption, forgiveness, and grace.

I was given this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Website
Author's Facebook

Review: Undaunted Hope

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund is the third book in the Beacons of Hope series. I loved the depth in this story! Right from the beginning I knew where the author would have the main character grow and change, but it was okay because she did it gradually just like it is in real life. It wasn't a surprise but more like a planted seedling turning into a flower.

Tessa Taylor has arrived at Eagle Harbor, Michigan to be a teacher. Dreading the brutal winter to come in the Upper Peninsula, she nevertheless pushes forward. This was a chance to be free of her past since no one here knows about her past indiscretion. But when she is met with shock that she is a woman teacher, things begin to go downhill. Until she meets Alex Bjorklund that is. Could she finally find love here in this dreary place?

I loved the historical aspects of this story. Jody Hedlund always pulls me in with that and then pushes me away when she is too sensual in her books. The way Tessa seems to only notice and talk about Alex's looks is disconcerting. I can't stand writing like that especially when it is marketed as Christian fiction. But other than that, the story was very good. The characters were all well written and well developed. The people and situations felt real because they were written as imperfect humans in a harsh world; it was pretty impressive writing in that regard! The story itself was a little harder for me to get into, but once I did I couldn't stop reading.

I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Website
Author's Facebook

Review: Luther and Katharina

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund was much more than I expected it to be! I could not stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen. I mean I knew Luther would marry Katharina, but much of the details surrounding them were new to me. Of course, the author added a couple things for added suspense, but she tells you in the back of the book which things were from her imagination. And surprisingly, very little was added!

This book follows Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora and how they eventually get married. She took a story we all know about and revamped it into an incredibly gripping story of love and hardship. Plus, you could tell she researched this subject a lot to be able to write it with such gripping intensity.

Every book I've read from Jody Hedlund that is based on real characters has always been an engrossing read. ALWAYS. It really seems to be her forte. The only thing I would say that I disliked in this book was how she wrote about the character's passion for each other. It was too much and made me highly uncomfortable. I thought this was the worst of her books in that respect. It's nowhere near what is in secular stories, but still in Christian fiction I expect better. I really hope the author tones it down in her successive books. She is such a fabulous writer she doesn't need all that to bring in readers. :-)

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Website
Author's Facebook

Review: Hearts Made Whole

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series. I loved her first book in this series and got in a kick of I have to read Jody Hedlund's books! So I did. haha When I saw this book available to review, I knew I had to grab it. It'll help my Hedlund fix I'm in right now. ;-)

Caroline Taylor has been reeling from the shock of her father dying just four months ago. Determined to keep the job as light keeper at Windmill Point Lighthouse, she faithfully takes care of the light while trying to monitor her siblings especially terminally ill Sarah. But the inspector dislikes her and is forcing her to abandon the only livelihood for her family. What will become of Sarah?

Ryan Chambers, a veteran of the Civil War, is in constant pain from his battered arm and hand. He arrives at Windmill Point to take over the job a week early since he has nowhere else to go. Shocked to find a keeper already there, he decides to give her the week the inspector originally agreed upon. He quickly realizes that Caroline is much better for the job since he can barely function due to his addiction to opium pills and alcohol. Will he ever be able to conquer his need to escape from the pain and memories? Or is he doomed to be an alcoholic like his father?

Destructive things begin to happen to the people and grounds at the lighthouse leaving Caroline and her siblings shocked and dismayed. Nervous for her family's safety Caroline wonders if she should just marry her old friend and leave the lighthouse world behind. Will Ryan be able to convince her to stay?

I really liked Ryan Chambers. He was a very well-developed character, and I felt for all his troubles. He seemed like a realistic, believable character. But I have to say, I never really connected with Caroline. She wasn't written as well as Ryan and one of the few times I could connect to her was her passion for her garden. Oh, and I loved how she was with Ryan. She was kind and compassionate but also no-nonsense. I really liked her in those times. But for the most part, I didn't like her. Probably just me, though. I also thought there was too much passion written between Ryan and Caroline. I thought it needed to be toned down a notch. The bulk of the book seemed to be about their attraction to each other and why it couldn't be. lol I expected more story, I guess which is probably why I like Ryan so much. He brought depth to the book.

Oh, I loved how Caroline was based on a lightkeeper! So cool to know that back then they let a few women be keepers. Who would have thought?! Pretty awesome. :-)

I was given this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Website
Author's Facebook

Review: Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund is the first in the Beacons of Hope series. It's a really good, sweet story set around pirates and lighthouses. Is that intriguing enough for you? I was surprised when I read it because I had read very little about the book beforehand. Makes it more exciting. So when I started reading it, I was thinking oh, this is good! Very very good! This author is now on my favorites list. ;-) 

Emma Chambers and her brother just lost everything when pirates attacked the steam boat they were traveling on. They were rescued by the lighthouse keeper of Presque Isle, but without a place to stay or a job Emma doesn't know what is to become of her. The traveling preacher approaches her and makes a proposition. Marriage to Patrick, the lighthouse keeper. Shocked Emma isn't sure what to think. She has always wanted to have a family and home of her own so when she sees how tender Patrick is with his little son, she agrees.

Patrick literally just buried his wife and knows he can't keep his job and take care of Josiah so when the preacher suggests marrying Emma, Patrick agrees albeit reluctantly. Haunted by his past, he isn't sure if he should reveal his secrets to her or not. It didn't turn out that well with his first wife, and he really needs Emma's help for his son's sake. Taking the pastor's advice to leave the past in the past, Patrick hopes that this time around things will go more smoothly.

When Emma settles in, she begins to doubt her decision. A strong willed two year old, a husband who disappears for hours, and no cooking skills makes Emma feel like things will never improve. Did she really make the right choice? Or did she let her desire for a home of her own overshadow her good sense?

This story was so well done. It reeled me in right from the beginning and didn't release me until it was finished. The characters and conversations were so realistic, and Josiah was one of the best parts. He was a typical two year old bringing temper tantrums and sunshine and making life better than you thought it could be. Plus, the author portrayed so well how difficult it would be for a little one, the dad, and the new mom to adjust to a new situation. Needless to say, I could not put this book down! I can't wait to read more from this author. :-)

I was given this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Website

Author's Facebook