Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

jody hedlund

The story behind the song: Review of Newton & Polly

Even if you haven’t been in church in ages, you probably know the song “Amazing Grace.” You probably know the tune, even if you can’t remember the words.

This beloved hymn of the church has an interesting backstory, and Jody Hedlund is just the author to tell it.

In her latest historical fiction, Newton & Polly, Hedlund recounts the forbidden romance between John Newton, the composer of Amazing Grace, and the woman who would become his wife, Polly Catlett. Theirs was a relationship that almost wasn’t, and the novel takes us on the up-and-down journey of their relationship and the spiritual work that takes place in each of their lives. (I could stare at that gorgeous cover for days!)

Hedlund goes so far to say that if not for Polly, Newton might never have written “Amazing Grace.” What a loss that would have been! (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my review.)

I remember watching a movie years ago called “Amazing Grace,” and Newton plays a part in that story, but this story is all about his troubled youth, his distance from God, and his infatuation with Polly Catlett. It give us the historical background for not only the song but for Newton’s later involvement in the abolitionist movement in England.

In typical Hedlund fashion, the book is chock full of actual historical events (which are listed in the back of the book) woven into a story that kept me turning page after page. Hedlund’s storytelling style is one of my favorites and always makes me more interested in historical happenings after I’m done reading.

As extra material to the book, Hedlund offers some quotes by Newton, and this one ties well with the book:

If you’ve ever wondered about the story behind the song, or you’re curious about what exactly the author meant by “amazing grace,” or you’re just a huge fan of well-written historical fiction, then this book is for you!

 

A northern lighthouse adventure: Review of Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

When Tessa Taylor shows up in Eagle Harbor, Michigan, to take on the role of teacher in the copper mining community, her gender causes a stir, and not just because the town was expecting a male teacher. Tessa’s quick wit catches the notice of assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund, and her compassionate care makes her the object of affection of two of her students, who think she would be good for their widower father. When the men begin to compete for her affection, Tessa doesn’t know what to do. She came to Eagle Harbor for a fresh start from her past. But will it catch up with her?

Undaunted-Hope coverAll you really need to know about Undaunted Hope is that Jody Hedlund wrote it. (You know my love for this author by now, right?) And it’s set on the shores of Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Even the descriptions of the frigid winter days were appealing. But probably only in my imagination. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.)

Undaunted Hope LH

The real lighthouse in Eagle Harbor | Photo by Jody Hedlund

I generally love whatever Jody Hedlund writes, and these lighthouse books have been a great combination of interesting settings and compelling characters. In this one, I liked the banter between Tessa and Alex. It made me smile. And Tessa’s passion for her students and the betterment of the community drives her commitment to stay even when faced with obstacles. And with her usual skill, Hedlund orchestrates circumstances that force Tessa to face her greatest fears and decide if love is worth any cost.

While it’s the third in the Beacons of Hope series, and there is a thread to flows through the books, it stands on its own. If you haven’t read the others (and why haven’t you?), you won’t be lost. But in case you do want to read them and know more about them, you can find out more here and here.

I loved seeing pictures of the real lighthouse, and Hedlund always includes some background information on the real setting of her book and the ways in which she deviated from history. She has a unique way of giving historical events such life that it feels like you’re there. And her words are inspiring, evoking emotion and reflection. I appreciate that Hedlund is willing to put her characters through difficulty so they can discover a truer sense of purpose and self and experience greater trust in God.

As always, I look forward to the next one in the series. (There’s a clue in each book about who the next heroine will be.)

Undaunted Hope quote graphic