Her Good Name

by Ruth Axtell

In the 1890 thriving coastal town of Holliston, Maine, the leading lumber baron's son, Warren Brentwood, III, returns from his years away at college and traveling to take up his position as heir apparent to his father's business empire.Esperanza Estrada, daughter of a Portuguese immigrant fisherman and a local woman, Espy lives on the wrong side of the tracks, surrounded by a brood of brothers and sisters and a careworn mother. She is unable to pretend she is anything but "one of those Estradas." When she overhears of a position to clean house at a local high school teacher's home on Elm Street, she jumps at the opportunity-to be able to run into Warren Brentwood now and again, but also to imbibe of the culture and intellectual atmosphere of the Stocktons.When rumors about Espy and a respected, married gentleman of the community begin to circulate, the entire church congregation and then the community pronounce judgment on her behavior. The man Espy is in love with, Warren, believes the lie and his loss of faith in her causes Espy to give up without a fight. She leaves her family and hometown for the nearest city with little money and no acquaintances and is forced to spend the night on the street. A man who heads a mission for the homeless finds Espy and offers her shelter. Espy finds the true love of God while working at the mission. Will she be able to forgive the townspeople and return home?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Christian

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2012

About the author

also writes under the name Ruth Axtell Morren

Reviews

[Caity · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom and I both read this book this month, and the first word we both used to describe it was "frustrating". The synopsis kind of hints that it will be from the start, though, so I was expecting it. I can't stand when people are unjustly accused in stories, because it always seems the accusers absolutely REFUSE to see reason, or to listen. But I suppose the author WANTS us to get frustrated, so she did a good job. ;)

I felt like it took awhile for the plot (well, the plot referred to on the back cover) to actually begin, and yet the whole time things were happening and it flowed really nicely into the deeper stuff.

Christine drove me absolutely insane. O_o She was so conniving and possessive! But, again, that's what the author was going for, so congratulations on a job well done, Miss Axtell! ;)
Dexter, Will, and Annalise, however, were really great minor characters! (Somehow I got the feeling we weren't necessarily supposed to like Dexter that well, but I found him amusing and lighthearted, so I include him in my "characters of note". ^_^)

I loved the sister relationship between Espy and Angela- it reminded me of my sister and I. ;)

I had mixed feelings about Warren; at first I didn't like him much at all, then he was ok but I still didn't like him for the heroine; but by the end (naturally ;)) it was hard to imagine how either of them could ever have ended up with someone else. ^_^

Possessing an intricate plot, a very satisfactory ending, and some great spiritual themes (specifically towards the end), this story is a nice, quick read that anyone who favors Christian romance will enjoy.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mooi en heerlijk om te lezen! Een weglezertje dus :-D

Ook mooi qua inhoud. Gaat over waar God ons naar toeroept. En over ongewenste intimiteiten + de gedachten/schaamte die dat geeft

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Espy Estrada lives in Holliston Maine at the turn of the 19th century. Born to a low class family Espy desperately desires to further her poor education. She enthusiastically accepts a job as a house maid for a local professor and his wife, she is thrilled with the opportunity to learn from the professor's wealth of knowledge and extensive library but eventually the professor seems to be noticing more than just Espy's aptitude for learning.
When rumors begin flying concerning the much respected Mr. Stockton, Espy's reputation is ruined before she even knows what has happened. She is determined that everything will be figured out and her reputation restored but then her own beau Warren, a wealthy and respected young man of society who has eyes only for Espy loses all faith in her she gives up and leaves town without an explanation.
Will the truth ever be revealed or will her chances at true love and her good name ever be the same?

I thought this book looked boring! Imagine my surprise when I was absolutely hooked about 10 pages into the story!! I would highly recommend this book as a Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance!
Usually I'm not really that into romance novels but I have to say Ruth Axtell threw me for a loop on this one!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review!

[Abigail Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book just because I read book until the end just to make sure that I don't end up missing something. Well I didn't end up missing anything with this book. It was very difficult to get into and I don't feel like it was very well written. I kept having to flip back to the front of the book to remind myself what time period the author wanted you to think the book was based in because the descriptions and the way the characters acted had me think that it was 30 to 40 years later in time. I very rarely find books that I don't enjoy or can't find something good about but this was one of those. I'll happily be donating the book to my local library in hopes that someone else will enjoy reading this book.

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Only thing is... the last 1/4 seemed really rushed to me.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, couldn't stop reading. Didn't want the book to end. Highly recommend.

[Cynthia Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Good Name takes place in a small lumber town in Maine in the late 1800s. I really enjoy books that include class distinctions and this book does a superb job. The main characters are Espy Estrada, a poor girl from the other side of town and Warren Brentwood the Third, son of the town's leading family. His father owns the lumber mill in town, runs a bank, and is grooming Warren to take his place. Anything the Brentwoods do is golden. Espy, on the other hand, has ten younger siblings, an absent, alcoholic father and a worn out mother. It is heart wrenching to watch the town turn on Espy when she is accused by a leading citizen of the town. She is guilty in their eyes because what else do you expect from a girl like that? Warren's attitudes are on full display. I find myself loathing and loving him throughout the book. There is a great theme of Christ's care and redemption in Her Good Name. This is the second time I have read this book. Probably won't be the last.

[linda bement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Blessing

I would encourage any mature young couples to read this together praying over each revelation . Quite well written never heard and Scriptures were very applicable to each chapter.

[Kellie Winegar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It finally has gotten to the point of the book and turns into a halfway decent book. But it definitely takes it's sweet time getting there

[Jenn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Amber Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her good name

It has a slow beginning but picks up at the end. I love the fact that it up lifts me and makes me feel Good live without feeling like I'm being preached down to.

[Naomi Mercelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice book, I like the characters and the story line.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

One of the best stories I have read in a long time.
You had the wright amount of Christian Faith in your story.

[Laurel Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting, but predictable and a bit too black & white with characters being all good or all bad.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Good Name is more than just a superbly entertaining novel; it holds spiritual truths that are important to remember. Social boundaries were heavily drawn even in the late 1800’s when this story takes place. The wealthy worked hard to keep their group elite and unspotted by those of lesser means. This is the situation Espy Estrada and Warren Brentwood found themselves in.
Espy was a beautiful and intelligent daughter of an American mother and Portuguese fisherman. She had her 11 siblings lived in poverty. After an accident her father had developed a serious drinking problem to the point he was rarely at home. It fell to Espy and her older sister to support the family. Her dreams for an education had been cut short.
Warren on the other hand came from a wealthy family that had given him the best education possible. They had his life planned out to take over the family business and marry the girl (of course an aristocrat) of their choice. He had been taught since he was young that this was his destiny. Although he felt obligated to comply with his parent’s wishes, he was made of a different cloth than his family. He was kind and compassionate and saw value in people no matter what their station.
Espy had liked him since they attended grammar school together many years ago. He had just returned to their hometown from college and she finds ways to run into him on a daily basis. Warren is shocked at the beautiful young woman she has become and the strange affect being near her brings.
They are suddenly thrown together when their pastor asks Warren to start a youth group to bring young people back into the church and proposes Espy be his assistant. They become very excited about bringing both the wealthy and the working class together not only to learn God’s Word but also to help the poor in the community. Alas, trying to combine the two social groups is like mixing oil and water. In spite of the difficulties, Espy’s enthusiasm, energy, and positive attitude are encouraging and impressive to Warren. His family is very upset at him having any type of interaction with her. He becomes torn between his growing feelings for her and his family’s expectations.
Espy feels she is moving up in the world when Mrs. Stockton, the wife of a respected local high school professor hires her on as housekeeper. Espy knows Mr. Stockton has a large library and hopes to be able to read some of his books. Unfortunately the professor has other motives and his wife catches him making inappropriate advances on Espy. Rather than tell the truth they spread lies about her and she becomes shunned by the entire town including Warren. She can stand it no more and moves to a nearby town where she lives with a missionary and his wife. God begins to work in both their lives in amazing ways.
The author beautifully illustrates truths in God’s Word warning us not to judge others by how things appear. I loved Espy’s strength in facing such condemnation and as she grew spiritually, allowing God to defend her good name. I admired Warren’s strength in choosing to please God no matter who he might displease, even those closest to him. Two scriptures that this story brought to mind were:
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17
And of course, A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1
I was also very impressed that although this was a romance novel, it was written very clean and purely. An excellent book!
"I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this review."

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to better her life, Espy Estrada takes a position as house help in a local professor's home, and to her joy, the professor begins tutoring Espy after her work is done. Warren Brentwood, son of one the leading families of the town, has been groomed to take over his father's businesses since birth, but his heart is not for the business, and his father does not respect his ideas. In an effort to reach out to the young people who have fallen away from the church, the pastor pairs Espy and Warren to form a group. While Espy and Warren get along well, they come from two separate worlds - the haves and the have nots - and try as they might, Espy's friends mesh little with Warren's. Suddenly, a scandal sets rumors flying about Espy and the professor - will anyone, least of all Warren, believe her, or will her good name be tarnished forever?

A major contribution to Espy's ruined reputation is simply her class difference - she is poor, with a disreputable father and no prospects, while the professor holds a respectable position in town. Throughout the novel there are examples of class prejudice - Mr. Brentwood's instant dismissal of the Estradas based on looks alone, Christina's maneuvering in the church group to oust Espy and place the wealthy into all positions of power, the snubs of Mrs. Brentwood and her friends. However, the class prejudice goes both ways - Espy's friends abandon the wealthy to have ice cream and fun on their own, Alvaro dislikes Warren's authority, a poor woman refuses to accept charity from Warren and his sister. Crossing that gap is difficult, as the relationship between Espy and Warren proves; very few people are truly care about integrating the two groups. How often do we do the same with our own cliques and groups?

My first inclination is to defend Espy wholeheartedly - everyone is so busy accusing her that they do not bother to listen to what actually happened, and the injustice is infuriating. In this situation, Espy is not in the wrong; foolish, maybe, to be spending time alone with a man, but it is with his wife's knowledge and permission. However, looking back, I can see where Espy should have been more careful to promote a chaste image. It may have made no difference with the professor, but she tends to flirt with the young men who flock around her, so it is easy for people to leap to the conclusion that she would also flirt with a married man. While the rules of propriety have changed over the years, a good reputation is still something that, once lost, is incredibly difficult to regain. The story is a good reminder to be careful in our conduct.

Through Espy's experiences, Axtell includes a lot of points to ponder about modesty and reputation, but there is much more to the story than just that - Warren is on his own journey learning to follow God's lead, which is not necessarily his father's direction. I like where Espy and Warren's relationship goes - it does not necessarily start out well, but as they pursue God, it becomes purer, more loving, and more respectful; I can see them making it work. A strong novel with well-developed characters and a moving journey - 5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you Moody Publishers for providing a free book in exchange for a review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Espy Estrada is the oldest of the town drunk’s eleven children. She left school early to get a job in the cannery to support her family. She and her next-oldest sister shoulder a lot of the burden of raising their younger siblings, as well as working alternating shifts so there is always someone home to look after the babies.

Warren Brentwood has had every advantage money can bring: an education, and a job in the family firm. But he find’s he’s boss in name only: his father still wants to make all the decisions, including who he should be seen with socially. Espy and Warren are thrown together when the pastor asks them to participate in a project to entice young people back into church, and they both find themselves looking forward to the meetings for more than the project …

I liked both Espy and Warren as characters. I often find the male lead character in a romance is less well-developed than the female, so it was good to meet a hero with a mind of his own, who faced his own set of internal and external conflicts rather than merely providing a foil for the heroine. That’s not to say Espy was weak; quite the opposite. Her background has given her a strong personality and the ability to weather the storms of life. Well, most of them.

This is a Christian novel, and I thought the faith elements were particularly well done. At the beginning, it seemed that Espy and Warren attended church more out of habit than personal faith (especially with Warren, as church attendance was clearly an expectation in his social circle). But both characters grew spiritually as the novel progressed, in a way that felt natural for their characters.

Every now and again I read a book which is more than the sum of its parts. Her Good Name was one such book. While it was set in Maine in the 1890’s, there were several themes that resonated today: the tendency for people to not believe the victim, especially if she is poor and female. The difficulty of reaching out to minister to people from the ‘other’ side of the tracks (I suspect many contemporary mission efforts fail for much the same reasons). And the attitude to women in the workplace that still persists with some people (as though there was ever a time when women didn’t work). This novel made me think about some of these deeper issues without resorting to sermonizing. Well done.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell was a fantastic read and one I greatly enjoyed. I liked the fact that it was based out of Maine because I don’t think I have read a lot of books from that state. While the story did not say a lot about the state itself, I still enjoyed the fact that it was a different setting.

Her Good Name tells the story from Espy and Warren’s point of views. Espy is the oldest of 11 children, living in the poorer parts of town. She spends her time taking care of her younger siblings and working to help provide for them. When she gets a job cleaning for a professor and his wife, she finally feels like she is moving in the right direction.
Warren is the only son of a wealthy family. His father owns a lumberyard business and expects Warren to take over the company someday.
Having been in grammar school together, Warren and Espy are somewhat acquainted when the pastor of their church asks them to head up a young adults group. When they try to bring their two worlds together in one group, there are definitely differences that arise and cause a strain in the group.
Meanwhile, as Espy works for the professor, he offers to tutor her. This turns out to be a bad idea as scandal arises and Espy is forced to leave town in shame.

There’s so much that happens in this book that it’s hard to write a review that covers all of it but doesn’t give anything away. Throughout all the aspects of the book I found myself living Espy’s life right along side her. Her world came alive to me as I was transported back to her time. Some of the characters in the book were hard to like, but for the most part, the cast of characters was well written and fun to get to know. I enjoyed the whole storyline and am very glad I read this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Leah B
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A working class girl in the late 1800s falls for a wealthy lumber baron's son from a higher social class, Warren has newly returned from travelling abroad and is preparing to take over the family lumber business. One Sunday afternoon after church the pastor asks him to start up a young peoples group and suggests that Espy help him. they become good friends until her good name is smeared around town and Warren believes the rumours. Epsy runs off to a nearby town, trying to forget about Warren. He finds she's had an effect on him as well and is unable to forget about her. Class distinction and family duty stand between them. How could anything more happen?

I loved how Ruth Axtell wove this enchanting tale, not rushing through but definitely keeping my interest with all the new situations and difficulties that arise. For both characters there is the tension between doing what is expected of you by your family and doing what you feel God is calling you to do. This is especially difficult for Warren. He feels he has no choice but to aqiesse to his family's hopes and plans. Espy, for her part, isn't content to work the rest of her life at the cannery or some other job where her brain isn't an asset. Nor is she going to marry someone with no ambition beyond the small borders of the seedy neighbourhood she lives in.

Once Espy leaves town things get very interesting. God is working in mysterious ways and the ending seems organic and entirely possible, but definitely unexpected. There are much deeper ideas woven into this story than in any typical Christian romance.

Ruth Axtell is one of my new favourite authors and I will be watching for her next book. I would certainly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Moody Publishers.

Click here for more information on Her Good Name from Moody Publishers

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1890 in Holliston, Maine. Esperanza Estrada is a smart young woman born on the wrong side of the tracks, and surrounded by ten other siblings she is just another one of "those Estrada's." Unable to further her education because she has to work to support her family, Espy struggles to make her way in the world. Wanting to expose herself to a more cultured, refined environment, and desperately wishing she had a higher education; she leaves her job at the cannery and takes a job at a local teacher's home as a maid.

Warren Brentwood III is the successor of his father's business, educated in the finest of colleges, and a gentleman. Only the finest life awaits him, with the respect and accolades that follow a successful business and family. But Warren doesn't feel the satisfaction of his accomplishments or the pride that his parents say he should feel. Yet when in the company of Espy, he feels alive and complete. So when rumors circulate about Espy and the respected professor, Espy flees the town, leaving Warren more alone than ever. Will Espy's good name be forever tainted? And will Warren ever be able to fill that hole in his heart that seems to grow ever wider in Espy's absence?

As usual, I had my doubts with a new author that everyone raves about. I don't want to be disappointed, so my expectations are pretty low when I try a new writer. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that while the book did not have a lot of historic portrayal of the time period, (Axtell didn't go on and on about the when and where), she did have a lot of character development in her story. The tale started with two immature characters that you really get to know and understand at the story's end. You find yourself rooting for them, and hoping the best for everyone involved. A story with a message deeper than your typical Christian romance.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell is a wonderful book set in the late 1800's in the town of Holliston, Maine. The main character, Epsy, a fisherman's daughter, dreams of having a life with Warren Brentwood, the heir of a large lumber company. Being as they are from different classes of society she knows that she does not stand a chance so she tries to better life and takes a job at a local professor's home.

It doesn't take long for rumor's to begin to fly concerning Epsy's relationship with the professor. Her whole world is turned upside down and she is left alone and penniless. All she has left is her faith. Will anyone ever believe her professed innocence and what about Warren? Warren is has his own struggles. He is torn between being the man society expects him to be and the man that God is calling him to be.

There are so many things I loved about this book. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and I especially love it when and author writes a fiction story that is historical accurate and helps to enrich the readers knowledge of that time period. Ruth Axtell did just that in Her Good Name. I also love when an author encourages readers spiritually. This book was rich in faith and the challenges that both Epsy and Warren faced in their efforts to do God's will was uplifting and makes the reader really think. I also loved the the character of Epsy! What a lovable character she was! Always joyful no matter her situation. Always holding her head high in-spite of the trials she is facing. There is so much to be learned from this character. It was a blessing to read about her and I was sorry to see the story end.

If you are a fan of historical fiction or christian romance I would highly recommend this book. It is the first book I have read by this author, but I am confident in saying that it won't be my last!

***This book was provided to me through Moody Publishers blog review program in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa Lorenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as one of the giveaways here on Goodreads.

It was wonderful. It was insightful. It was well-written and contains within it a message of hope. The romance is wonderful as well.

I would say at the beginning, I was a little bit confused about Esperanza "Espy". Her introduction at the beginning of the book is a little bit jarring. Certainly more of presentation of character as the foolish woman of Proverbs 9, rather than the wise in Proverbs 31. By the end of the book, I felt that this misdirection was very purposeful. As a reader, judgement can be pretty quick, not just of Espy and the choices she makes, but of those who surround her (with both good and ill intent). Some of the judgements are correct (Caroline) but for others they surprise you at the end (for better or worse).

I am really wanting to know what happens with some secondary characters (mainly Dexter- he is pretty minor and yet I want to know if he finds his way- and Alvaro)and how the main characters move forward in their respective ministries. Do they go back to Holliston? What happens with the attitudes of the town and the church when the truth comes out at the end? What happens with the mills and Mr. Brentwood?

All the questions left are really why I did not give this one five stars. Yes, there are often questions left at the end of a work, but this time I am so invested by the end that it is disappointing to not know if the story continues.

If after I write this review and find that there are indeed other stories...well then egg on my face.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Esperanza Estrada and Warren Brentwood growing up in Holliston, ME in 1892. Their families were from different socioeconomic backgrounds and this is the unlikely romance between Esperanza and Warren.

Esperenza (or Espy) is an engaging young woman - whom society expects to go to work at the local cannery, but Espy wants more out of life than cleaning fish. She had been a bright student until leaving school to help take care of her family. She seeks employment as a housekeeper, with Professor and Mrs. Stockton, where she finds she is allowed to read and continue her studies.

Warren is a young man of the world, born with has been raised, and educated to take over the family business - under his father's critical eye. His social status leads to the expectation that he will marry his equal.

They make an incongruous couple, as they become friends and later work together in the Holliston Lights, a young people's group at church.

Espy experiences heart-wrenching disappointment and leaves for Bangor, for a fresh start. Warren and Espy meet again in Bangor, while Espy stays at a rescue mission, and while Warren enters seminary.

Although somewhat predictable, the story has enough twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest. The reader is able to watch both Espy and Warren mature, and come into their own person. This is a charming story, which I enjoyed. I gave this a delightful three stars for taking a little time to reveal Espy (and Warren's) conflict, and then wind down to the inevitable ending.

[R.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

“I Received this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”

The Synopsis:

“Holliston, Maine. 1892. No matter how striking she is, a fisherman’s daughter doesn’t stand a chance with Warren Brentwood, the heir of the local lumber empire. So in an effort to better her life and eventually catch Warren’s eye, Espy takes a job at the local professor’s home. But when the professor begins to tutor her, the rumors begin to fly.

Scandal turns Espy’s world upside down and she flees town in disgrace. Alone and penniless, Espy has nothing left but her faith when she is rescued by a missionary family. Espy longs to return home freed from the lies that surrounded her departure. But will anyone–particularly Warren–believe in her professed innocence?

My Review:

This was a very good book. There was not much action, but I did enjoy how the story progressed and how Espy and Warren looked to God before each other, and in that, their love grew.

I enjoyed both of their characteristics and personalities and they seemed very realistic. I also really liked the missionary family that took in Espy and then helped Warren get more involved in the ministry. The Pastor of the local church was also very likable.

Again, this was a pretty good book and I have nothing negative to say about it!

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Her Good Name from a Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt, from the author, Ruth Axtell. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and was delighted when I found that Her Good Name was indeed a five star book (to me).

Esperanza Estrada is a poor young woman who lives with a lazy father, a tired mother, and a whole passel of siblings. But she has always admired Warren Brentwood III, son to the rich, leading lumber baron. She is thrilled to get a job cleaning the house of some rich folks, hoping Warren will began to notice her. But her exciting plans go terribly awry. Between the owner of the house she cleans, Warren’s bratty friend, and the church folks’ disbelief of the young woman’s claim of innocence, Espy’s reputation is suddenly soiled, it seems, beyond repair. And Warren is part of the group of accusers.

In despair, Espy leaves to work at another town. But she never forgets Warren Brentwood III. Will there ever be reconciliation? Could a lasting love ever work out between them?

Her Good Name was bittersweet and beautiful. I was caught up into the story; and burned with anger, was filled with despair, and rejoiced happily with Espy. Great book… definitely recommended!!

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable historical romance about a privileged young man groomed to take over his father's empire and a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Warren Brentwood returns home from a couple years abroad to run his father's mill, but he starts to have doubts about his future. Espy is thrilled to see the boy she's had a crush on for years. She tries to catch his eye and when they're thrown together for a volunteer club, she thinks this might be her chance. However, when she takes a job as a maid at a professor's home, she's soon placed in a compromising position, and flees town. She's rescued by a missionary couple in the city, but wonders if her name will ever be cleared and if she will ever return home.

I really liked the characters and the realistic way they're portrayed, though I was a little frustrated with some things they both said. I enjoyed the focus on doing things for others and the spiritual transformations these two underwent. I also appreciated Warren's struggle with what he should do for a living. This book really shows how important your reputation is, especially in a small town where everyone knows you. Don't miss out on this well-written story!

I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Dana Kamstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some novels are the perfect blend of characters, setting, problems, and a message. Her Good Name was definitely one of these novels.

Espy and Warren are complete opposites. Espy follows her heart, is exuberant, and is quite poor. Warren has had his life mapped out for him since he was born, is quite conscious of what people think of him, and is quite well off. This novel explores how perceptions of people impact the way we treat them. It also brings to life how important it is to help those around us and how we should all be a bit less judgemental of other people.

This novel had so many unexpected moments in it. It also had a number of characters I strongly disliked (although I think I was supposed to for the sake of the story). This is a novel with a tight plot and one that had me examining my own life as I turned the pages. I was enraptured with the story and was sad to see it come to an end.

Her Good Name is a novel that is both entertaining and has truths embedded within it that are relevant to our lives. It is a novel that I would highly recommend if it isn't already on your bookshelf.

**I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review**

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Ruth Axtell doesn't disappoint! I ordered Her Good Name in advance because Ruth is one of my favorite authors of Christian Romance. The first book I've read of hers was Winter Is Past. After that I was hooked. I haven't read them all yet but I'm getting there. Sort of pacing myself cuz once I've read them all I will be very sad.

Anyway, Her Good Name was a wonderful Christian Romance. One thing I can always count on in Ruth's stories is that it's a learning experience. And her stories always feel so real to me - like I'm right there in the same room listening to the conversation. Everything flows so nicely. At first I didn't care for the hero but as the story took shape, and his life experiences were revealed, I began to understand and like him much better. I loved Espy from the beginning. She seems so sure of herself in some areas but naive and inexperienced in others. They both grew up and matured throughout the story and came together beautifully in the end.

I give this story 4 stars because if I give every book 5 stars then I leave no room for improvement on those special books like Winter Is Past!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it, but it didn't grab me as much as some other novels I've read lately. I actually like the last half of the book better. It's a good read, I don't want to discourage anyone from reading it, but sometimes when you've just finished a really, really great book and then you move on to another book that's good, but it is a little different, a little slower, it takes away from that book. I think if I had read this book after a week or two break from reading I would have enjoyed it more. I will read this author again.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars! Another win by Ruth Axtell. It reminded me vaguely of her book "Wild Rose", but in a good way. The characters wrestle with deep spiritual issues and learn real lessons in life.

Only two moments of disbelief: first, she says she doesn't know what "exuberant" means, but just finished reading "Jane Eyre" and "Last of the Mohicans". Also, it felt odd that she'd travel from a town with a large logging company to a city in a coach; with that much lumber, it seems there'd have been a train instead.