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Music of the Heart #2
The Longing Season
In the 1740s, British culture allows few options for the son of a merchant ship captain. And in a time of war, a man with John Newton’s experience must serve the king. But Newton—a man who quotes Virgil and curses God with equal fervor—is interested in serving only himself. Mary Catlett simply cannot believe her childhood friend sailed away on a British warship and vanished in Africa. In desperation, she takes a step that will change her life and call her lost love home. But will he arrive in time? Newton’s odyssey takes him from the West Africa gold coast to the banks of Newfoundland to the heart of the Atlantic before he finds what he’s spent his entire life longing deliverance. In an account that challenges popular myth, Schaub continues the Music of the Heart series with one of the greatest redemption stories of all time—the story of “Amazing Grace.” (Music of the Heart Book 2)
272 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
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74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 6, 2009
"Amazing Grace" by John Newton has long been my favorite hymn, and with the recent film release of the same name (focusing on William Wilberforce and his efforts to abolish the slave trade in Britain), I was eager to learn more about the man behind the lyric. The words of that timeless song can tug at the heartstrings like few others. I'd always heard that Newton's dramatic conversion to Christianity and subsequent renunciation of slavery occurred while captaining a slave ship caught in a violent storm. It turns out that truth does not quite match the legend attributed to his life. However, after reading The Longing Season, I would posit that the actuality of Newton's life, though it may lack the "light bulb" moment and some of the drama of the legend, is an altogether more satisfying, stirring, and powerful portrait of the grace and transformative power of God at work in one man's life.
The Longing Season is both a redemption story and an exquisitely told love story. The novel is framed by two sections where an older Newton reminisces about his early life, rebellious youth, and the events that shaped his character. Author Christine Schaub paints a powerful portrait of the experiences and choices that brought Newton to the point that he could write the words to "Amazing Grace" and know with every fiber of his being that those words represented the truth of his life. The narrative seamlessly alternates between Newton's experiences and those of Mary Catlett, the woman who would eventually become his wife. John and Mary conducted a correspondence-driven, clandestine courtship that transcended distance, separation, and years of anxious uncertainty. As Newton reflects at one point in the novel, Mary was a living, breathing expression of God's grace in his life.
For most of the novel, Newton is quite unlikable, even replusive in his callous worldview. But I think any dislike has more to do with the fact that if you're brutally honest with yourself when reading Newton's story, you'll be able to admit to relating to the "pre-saved" Newton in some way -- if not in action, than in thought. The Longing Season does not look at life through rose-colored glasses -- it's at times painfully honest, but always heart-wrenchingly real in its portrayal of man's sinful nature and the power of Christ's redemptive work. Christine Schaub writes with the pen of a master wordsmith, and her skill and deft touch imbues the novel with a literary, almost lyrical quality. It's a story worth savoring that will stay with you long after you finish the final pages. Highly recommended.
The Longing Season is both a redemption story and an exquisitely told love story. The novel is framed by two sections where an older Newton reminisces about his early life, rebellious youth, and the events that shaped his character. Author Christine Schaub paints a powerful portrait of the experiences and choices that brought Newton to the point that he could write the words to "Amazing Grace" and know with every fiber of his being that those words represented the truth of his life. The narrative seamlessly alternates between Newton's experiences and those of Mary Catlett, the woman who would eventually become his wife. John and Mary conducted a correspondence-driven, clandestine courtship that transcended distance, separation, and years of anxious uncertainty. As Newton reflects at one point in the novel, Mary was a living, breathing expression of God's grace in his life.
For most of the novel, Newton is quite unlikable, even replusive in his callous worldview. But I think any dislike has more to do with the fact that if you're brutally honest with yourself when reading Newton's story, you'll be able to admit to relating to the "pre-saved" Newton in some way -- if not in action, than in thought. The Longing Season does not look at life through rose-colored glasses -- it's at times painfully honest, but always heart-wrenchingly real in its portrayal of man's sinful nature and the power of Christ's redemptive work. Christine Schaub writes with the pen of a master wordsmith, and her skill and deft touch imbues the novel with a literary, almost lyrical quality. It's a story worth savoring that will stay with you long after you finish the final pages. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2017
I love the way Christine writes. She's so poetic in every part of the story. However, despite the writing being incredible, the story itself felt lacking. The tale centers around John Newton, the man who would write the hymn Amazing Grace, and his conversion to Christianity. But that's only half of the story. The other half centers around the love-struck Mary who is head-over-heels for Newton, even though he sailed on the seas for years and eventually went missing.
For me, it doesn't present a compelling enough reason for Newton's change of heart, from slaver to hymn writer. I felt more compelled to cheer on Mary who was conflicted to give her heart to Newton or to the charming Alex. But like Newton, I didn't get why Mary decided to go with Newton at the end. This may have been historically accurate, but I wanted Schaub to make me understand why. It felt so sudden. Maybe it was romantic, but I'm not the romantic type, so maybe someone else completely understood it.
Overall, I did enjoy it, seeing the journey of Newton and the formation of the famous song. I also enjoyed Mary's story of deciding how her future would play out. It's touching, and it's beautiful. I just wished the characters' fateful choices were a bit more clear.
For me, it doesn't present a compelling enough reason for Newton's change of heart, from slaver to hymn writer. I felt more compelled to cheer on Mary who was conflicted to give her heart to Newton or to the charming Alex. But like Newton, I didn't get why Mary decided to go with Newton at the end. This may have been historically accurate, but I wanted Schaub to make me understand why. It felt so sudden. Maybe it was romantic, but I'm not the romantic type, so maybe someone else completely understood it.
Overall, I did enjoy it, seeing the journey of Newton and the formation of the famous song. I also enjoyed Mary's story of deciding how her future would play out. It's touching, and it's beautiful. I just wished the characters' fateful choices were a bit more clear.
February 27, 2010
This is one sweet rendition of John Newton's life. Schaub's writing is crisp, witty, poetic. Her plotting is succinct yet action packed. The characters are memorable and engaging. It took me awhile to finally getting around to read this, but don't make the same mistake I did. Pick it up now.
November 30, 2021
I shall never sing the words of Amazing Grace without pondering the life of John Newton, author. As inscribed in marble and resting beside the St. Mary Woolnoth pulpit: John Newton, Clerk Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the Faith he had long labored to destroy.
Through his suffering and wayward life, he was given grace and saw that grace and repented and has left these inspired words that make many think deeply of their own life and hopefully repent and find peace in God.
Through his suffering and wayward life, he was given grace and saw that grace and repented and has left these inspired words that make many think deeply of their own life and hopefully repent and find peace in God.
February 18, 2024
What I thought: I'd read this book again, and again!
The story of Amazing Grace comes to life with the background of the man who needed to learn many lessons before being allowed to compose a very important hymn - that's how God works with each of us.
As a musician, many of us are taught early about the history of this famous hymn. What's interesting, even non-believers in a true God know this song. Once you learn the story about this song, you'll have a great appreciation for John Newton. And perhaps you'll want to know the why behind Newton's life-changing revelation.
Please add this book to your "want to read".
The story of Amazing Grace comes to life with the background of the man who needed to learn many lessons before being allowed to compose a very important hymn - that's how God works with each of us.
As a musician, many of us are taught early about the history of this famous hymn. What's interesting, even non-believers in a true God know this song. Once you learn the story about this song, you'll have a great appreciation for John Newton. And perhaps you'll want to know the why behind Newton's life-changing revelation.
Please add this book to your "want to read".
December 19, 2023
Historical fiction of John Newton’s early twenties and how ‘Amazing Grace’ came to be. The entire story flip flops between his and Mary’s perspectives (they’re separated for pretty much the entirety of the book). Easy read.
John Newton’s testimony is incredible, I would’ve liked more text on their inner thoughts/prayers toward God to show growth/transformation. It seemed more like a love story and the coming to Christ was understated (although the effects are evident in the epilogue).
John Newton’s testimony is incredible, I would’ve liked more text on their inner thoughts/prayers toward God to show growth/transformation. It seemed more like a love story and the coming to Christ was understated (although the effects are evident in the epilogue).
December 17, 2020
Just like Christine's other book, I wanted it to be longer! I wanted to know everything about when he came back. I wanted more! Great read.
October 15, 2023
Only 4 stars because it took me a few chapters to get into it. Then got very captivating about holding on to hope, and finding faith. A love so pure and loyal 💛
November 7, 2025
Biographical novel based in the life on the life of John Newton author of the hymn Amazing Grace. Good read filling in many of the stories about his life.
December 30, 2008
This was the (partial) story of John Newton. It chronicled his waywardness, living with concubines, and his eventual conversion. It was also the story of Mary Catlett, childhood sweetheart of John Newton. She waits for John, though wavering in her determination at times, as she meets a handsome viscount. It was an interesting and sweet story, but a little too descriptive of the African ladies, perhaps. (Nothing major, but not for younger readers, anyway.)
February 16, 2011
Book #2 in the Music of the Heart series. The story behind Amazing Grace is an absolutely "amazing" story!
November 30, 2013
a story of God's amazing grace for a sinner who ultimately wrote, "Amazing Grace"....
June 6, 2016
Not as good as the first in the series. Characters were more annying/unbelievable. Ending didn't seem all that realistic either.
June 30, 2018
Interesting and inspiring. I have to say I wouldn't have been quite as faithful as Mary, holding out hope for so long.
God is truly amazing and so is His grace!
God is truly amazing and so is His grace!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews