Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund REVIEW

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

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**I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!**

Jackaby by William Ritter REVIEW

Summary:

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby's assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: a serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it's an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain the foul deeds are the work of the kind of creature whose very existence the local authorities--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--seem adamant to deny.

My Thoughts:

I got this book during the summer reading program at my library (a long time ago, I know) and didn't read it until now, although I kind of wish I read it earlier, because it was so good.

It has been a really long time since I have read a mystery this good and as impossible to put down.

The only part I would like to read more about is Abigail's reason for going to New Fiddleham. Was something wrong with where she was living? Did something happen there that made her want to leave? Or did she just really want to go there?

My Rating: 4 stars