Summary:
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?
My Thoughts:
At first I wasn't entirely sure I would enjoy this book, since romance isn't exactly my favorite genre, and I've read a lot of disappointing Christian historical romance.
But I was wonderfully surprised. There was not only a pretty well developed connection between Newton and Polly, but there was also some adventure (Newton being forced to become a sailor, tries to desert and find his way home but is caught and tortured, etc.). It was also a pretty inspiring message that people can change for the better, and sometimes they need a frustrating experience to go through before they can fully appreciate and follow God.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone wanting to grow in their faith, or even to a non Christian who wants to know a little about how God sometimes works in people's lives.
My Rating: 5 stars
**I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!**
