The story of The Longing Season is set in the 1700s and takes place in locations throughout the world from England to Africa to the New World. Christine Schaub writes both of Newton himself (and his leaving England to escape from his father’s constant disapproval) as well as the woman Newton declares love to before leaving. Mary Chatham treasures Newton ‘s declaration and the few letters she receives from him before he seems to disappear, never losing hope that he will return to her. If you like historical novels or are particularly interested in the history of hymns, you will enjoy this novel.