It couldn’t be more encouraging to any author than to receive reviews like the first few for Amazing Grace: How Faith Grows in the Human Heart.
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If you are reading a Kindle copy of my recent book (or for that matter any other book) and are reading it on your phone, computer, or a phone when you get to the end it will give you a chance to rate and review on both Amazon and Goodreads. Doing this is a blessing not just to the author but to those who will find the book directly because of your review or indeed social media share.
If you have any questions or spot any mistakes do let me know by commenting below or on Goodreads.
The first few reviews have come from different countries. I also share my replies to their reviews, one advantage of also posting on Good Reads is the ability to have a conversation. Here are the first few reviews:
Australia: Humbling Amazing Grace
I have known of John Newton and his writing Amazing Grace from his experience of being a slaver and then having a conversion. I had not known about his early beginnings of having a devoted Christian mother. Neither did I know of her demise at his young age.
Reading this story as a Christian and also one who has often grieved over my many wrongs, I have received a clearer understanding of my own feelings. I am now eighty-one years old and often cry when looking back on some of the silly things I have done,. Yes, and as John Newton did, I also feel utter remorse.
About suicide. After leaving my first marriage of over thirty years of abuse and then moving to another state I felt suicidal. I was in a new place with no family nor friends. One day I went for a long drive feeling totally in despair. My phone rang from a colleague asking me, where I was and what I was doing. I confessed to him that I wanted to suicide, I was at my wits end. He didn’t try and talk me out of it. Instead he asked me how I would do it.
After I explained what I had planned, he simply said, “so who would you hurt the most with this action?” Then he waited for my reply. I thought and answered, …. “my mother.” “Do you want to do that to your mother?” he asked. Oh course, stunned when thinking on that, I did not. So, I answered, “no.” He then proceeded to tell me to keep driving until I saw a cafe, to go inside, have a cup of tea, something to eat, then then drive back home.. Just his calm psychiatric voice and friendship turned me around.
In life there are many times we feel at a loss… but as happened with John Newton, that time passes and with Christ as our head, we are able to continue on. I loved this story. Thank you so much for bringing it to mind.”
Bumps along the way.
UK
USA
I’m blown away by Adrian Warnock’s modern rendition of John Newton’s classic writings! This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God’s grace. Newton’s journey from a rebellious slave trader to a compassionate pastor is a testament to the transformative power of faith.
The inclusion of Newton’s autobiography, sermons, and letters provides a rich context to his life and ministry. Warnock’s commentary adds clarity and relevance, making it easy to apply Newton’s wisdom to our lives today.
What struck me most was Newton’s emphasis on the gradual nature of God’s grace – conviction, conflict, and mature contemplation. His story and writings have inspired me to reflect on my own spiritual journey.
My Reply
Thanks Celine, the book will be even better when the rest of the chapters are released! Appreciate you reviewing this early access version so much.
USA: Saved a wretch like me
There are three parts of this book: the writings of John Newton, an account of his life, how he became Christian, and how he fits into Christian theology, and a chapter at the end of how the television show Traitors maps out the ways our souls can be corrupt.
The author did a good job with the first, and is still very incomplete with the second (as of my reading). But the third really doesn’t belong there, or better said, perhaps needs its own book.
The song Amazing Grace appeals to us because we know we are wretches, and there’s no question we are still wretches even after we’re found.
Newton, because he wanted to be a minister, really felt like he had to get to the bottom of it. But as one who would know him by his works, I’m still waiting for the account of how his life matches up, and what he actually did, especially how he got out of his slaving situation once it occurred to him that he was on the wrong path.
My Reply
Hi Tom, thanks for your review. Thank you for your kind and honest comments. You are right that this is an early access preview. As a spoiler alert I can tell you that this wayward man and slave trader over time transformed into a compassionate pastor who cared deeply for his flock and ultimately campaigned to end the slave trade he had been a part of .
As for the final chapter, that is also the first chapter of another book The Traitor Within: Understanding and Healing Our Deceitful Hearts. I’m interested that it didn’t really feel like it fitted for you. I was hoping it would feel like a kind of modern parable verifying Newton’s teaching that the heart is deceitful.
Can you give me any advice on how to better integrate it into this volume so it doesn’t feel jarring but instead acts as a kind of climax for the book showing just how relevant it is for today? I am sure you know that when the rest of the book is completed anyone with a kindle version now will them be able to simply delete and redownload to get the full version.
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