What do you think?
Rate this book
The Reputed Wife
Herodias Gardner defends religious freedom when she risks the Puritans' whipping post to protest the torture of Quakers, and seeks to soften a king's heart. When her friend Mary Dyer defies banishment and faces the gallows in the same quest, what will Herod do?
Herod also challenges convention at home as she seeks to keep personal scandal hidden. Though she has taken George Gardner's name and borne his children, they have never wed. When the couple is called to court, does it mean that their secret has been revealed?
The Reputed Wife is the second volume in the Scandalous Life series about Herodias Long, the most notorious resident of 17th-century Newport, Rhode Island.
Herod also challenges convention at home as she seeks to keep personal scandal hidden. Though she has taken George Gardner's name and borne his children, they have never wed. When the couple is called to court, does it mean that their secret has been revealed?
The Reputed Wife is the second volume in the Scandalous Life series about Herodias Long, the most notorious resident of 17th-century Newport, Rhode Island.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2013
9 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Jo Ann Butler
7 books24 followersA genealogist and one-time colonial archeologist, Ms. Butler has tapped her work in New England for her first historical fiction novel, "Rebel Puritan." She can be reached at www.rebelpuritan.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 20, 2013
A worthy sequel to Rebel Puritan but working equally as well as a stand alone volume, The Reputed Wife is the second installment in the saga of courageous, strong-willed, tough-as-nails Herodias Long. With her straightforward, lyrical prose and vivid imagery, JoAnn Butler brings her spirited heroine to life in a beautifully wrought tale with as much drama as a soap opera but built on a solid historical foundation. At a time when it could bring a death sentence to dissent from popular opinion, this remarkable woman not only stands up to but challenges convention and, by one powerful act of defiance, shakes an entire community’s perception of what they believe to be right.
Although the story takes place in the past, the set of women’s issues brought to light in this illuminating work are unchanging and as relevant now as at any time in history. And to anyone who thinks that the background of our own country is not as sensational or interesting as that of England or other popular European settings, this book—which I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend—will change your mind. Two thumbs way, way up for JoAnn Butler!
Although the story takes place in the past, the set of women’s issues brought to light in this illuminating work are unchanging and as relevant now as at any time in history. And to anyone who thinks that the background of our own country is not as sensational or interesting as that of England or other popular European settings, this book—which I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend—will change your mind. Two thumbs way, way up for JoAnn Butler!
April 20, 2013
Every bit as well done as the first book "Rebel Puritan". Fans of historical fiction will love "The Reputed Wife" . I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series . If you haven't read "Rebel Puritan " and the "Reputed Wife" I highly recommend that you do so.
June 2, 2013
This novel is a fascinating combination of history and fiction, with fabulous storytelling filling in the gaps in historical records left by the distance of over three hundred years. Jo Ann Butler makes Colonial New England come to life in a whole new way for me. She breathes life into the long dead, and draws me into the world of Rhode Island in the 1600's. Not a place I would want to time travel to by any means, but journeying with Jo Ann Butler's Herod makes for a safe, if an occasionally emotionally harrowing journey. The founders of Rhode Island live and breathe on these pages, and I find myself captivated by a world long gone. A highly recommended read.
October 24, 2013
An excellent sequel to Rebel Puritan, the Reputed Wife has continued to capture the intriguing saga of the life of Herodias Long in the well researched historical setting in which she lived and loved. A thoroughly interesting, historically important, and highly enjoyable read, I am delighted to add this volume to my library shelf, right next to Rebel Puritan. I so look forward to the next chapter in the life of Herodias in the upcoming third sequel, which I fully expect to be equally enthralling, as this captivating saga continues.
August 31, 2013
Set in 17th century Northeast, primarily in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, The Reputed Wife is the story of Goodwife Herodias “Herod” Gardner a/k/a Hicks and her struggle to free herself from the bonds of a rash marriage to John Hicks. After Hicks beats her to within an inch of her life, Herod finds solace, love, and security in George Gardner, but in the process loses the children that she had with Hicks. It is the story of redemption and her efforts to vindicate herself in a patriarchal puritanical world.
The Reputed Wife is also the story of Rhode Island’s developing, and at times rocky, relationship with neighboring areas. A turf war between the governors over their fiefdoms is in progress at the start of the novel and continues throughout. Complicating this is that Rhode Island is viewed as an unruly step child no one wants because it befriends Quakers and any others who have the audacity to call attention and protest against abuses, whether leveled by Puritans, government, or individuals seeking vengeance.
Butler’s writing is easy to get into, though at times, it is hard to tell who is speaking, particularly early on when the reader does not have the necessary background. In spite of this, the story resonated with me; I could identify with Herod in her quest to determine what she wanted out of life. In her time, women’s options were limited and as a result she finds her voice, in some rather painful ways. This pain is not borne in vain, however. Herod finds that the simple good life of home and hearth can be compelling testimony, at times more so than the vocal martyrdom engaged of her friend, Mary Dyer and other Quakers. Butler also brings out through Herod’s struggle with recognizing when God has spoken that a quiet faith can be as powerful as fire and brimstone oratory.
In terms of the structure, I have no complaints, though I would have liked to have had the ending a bit more fleshed out. Herod’s story ended too quickly. I envisioned more detail of the understated tug of war for Herod’s attention and heart that was occurring between George Gardner and John Porter by bringing this conflict out in the open between Herod and Porter and then by giving the reader what my husband calls a snail’s eye view of Herod’s decision to make amends with Gardner and reclaim her life with him and their children.
All in all, The Reputed Wife was excellent and I learned a lot. If Goodreads allowed partial stars, I would have given the novel a 4.75.
A Layered Pages Review.
Susan Berry
The Reputed Wife is also the story of Rhode Island’s developing, and at times rocky, relationship with neighboring areas. A turf war between the governors over their fiefdoms is in progress at the start of the novel and continues throughout. Complicating this is that Rhode Island is viewed as an unruly step child no one wants because it befriends Quakers and any others who have the audacity to call attention and protest against abuses, whether leveled by Puritans, government, or individuals seeking vengeance.
Butler’s writing is easy to get into, though at times, it is hard to tell who is speaking, particularly early on when the reader does not have the necessary background. In spite of this, the story resonated with me; I could identify with Herod in her quest to determine what she wanted out of life. In her time, women’s options were limited and as a result she finds her voice, in some rather painful ways. This pain is not borne in vain, however. Herod finds that the simple good life of home and hearth can be compelling testimony, at times more so than the vocal martyrdom engaged of her friend, Mary Dyer and other Quakers. Butler also brings out through Herod’s struggle with recognizing when God has spoken that a quiet faith can be as powerful as fire and brimstone oratory.
In terms of the structure, I have no complaints, though I would have liked to have had the ending a bit more fleshed out. Herod’s story ended too quickly. I envisioned more detail of the understated tug of war for Herod’s attention and heart that was occurring between George Gardner and John Porter by bringing this conflict out in the open between Herod and Porter and then by giving the reader what my husband calls a snail’s eye view of Herod’s decision to make amends with Gardner and reclaim her life with him and their children.
All in all, The Reputed Wife was excellent and I learned a lot. If Goodreads allowed partial stars, I would have given the novel a 4.75.
A Layered Pages Review.
Susan Berry
February 27, 2014
I won this book on Good Reads!
When I was notified that I would be receiving this book, I immediately downloaded the first in the series (Rebel Puritan)and LOVED IT! I found the sequel to be just as enthralling as the first book. A rare find indeed!
This is the continued story of Herodias Long, a member of the early American colonial community who defies Puritan convention and chooses to live life by her own conscience. This is a dangerous thing under the rule of restrictive Puritans. The book skillfully paints a picture of life during that historical era with it's hardships, challenges and intolerance. The book is full of nail-biting danger, intrigue and beautiful scenic narrative. Herod is a character that you can easily get behind and cheer on. I think there is a little bit of that rebel spirit in all of us!
This book was very eye-opening to the struggles of other non-puritan immigrants. I had always thought that the Puritans came to America for religious freedom and did not know that they severely persecuted anyone who did not follow their faith showing the same intolerance from which they were trying to escape.
I can't wait for final book to be released! I will definitely be pre-ordering!
When I was notified that I would be receiving this book, I immediately downloaded the first in the series (Rebel Puritan)and LOVED IT! I found the sequel to be just as enthralling as the first book. A rare find indeed!
This is the continued story of Herodias Long, a member of the early American colonial community who defies Puritan convention and chooses to live life by her own conscience. This is a dangerous thing under the rule of restrictive Puritans. The book skillfully paints a picture of life during that historical era with it's hardships, challenges and intolerance. The book is full of nail-biting danger, intrigue and beautiful scenic narrative. Herod is a character that you can easily get behind and cheer on. I think there is a little bit of that rebel spirit in all of us!
This book was very eye-opening to the struggles of other non-puritan immigrants. I had always thought that the Puritans came to America for religious freedom and did not know that they severely persecuted anyone who did not follow their faith showing the same intolerance from which they were trying to escape.
I can't wait for final book to be released! I will definitely be pre-ordering!
December 1, 2013
"The Reputed Wife" is the sequel to "Rebel Puritan," which I have not yet read. The author and I did a book swap (a copy of "Reputed Wife" for a copy of my own book, "Puritan Witch."). At first I felt like I should have read Rebel Puritan first, but I do think Reputed Wife makes a great stand-alone novel.
I don't know how a wife and mother could just up and leave her family though, in an attempt to rescue a Quaker friend from suicide-by-Puritan-Law. Her husband George seemed WAY too understanding for a Colonial man to be; I expected him to be a little more patriarchal and insistent, but Herodias was apparently the stronger-spirited of the two and although he seemed to disapprove, George allowed her to trek the wilderness in hopes of rescuing her friend. The Scandalous Life series continues, I hear, and I am looking forward to reading what Jo Ann Butler has for us next!
I don't know how a wife and mother could just up and leave her family though, in an attempt to rescue a Quaker friend from suicide-by-Puritan-Law. Her husband George seemed WAY too understanding for a Colonial man to be; I expected him to be a little more patriarchal and insistent, but Herodias was apparently the stronger-spirited of the two and although he seemed to disapprove, George allowed her to trek the wilderness in hopes of rescuing her friend. The Scandalous Life series continues, I hear, and I am looking forward to reading what Jo Ann Butler has for us next!
August 15, 2013
It's said that Puritans came to New England for freedom of religion. In truth, they wanted to bar other religions from their colonies, and tortured the Quakers trying to keep them out. Herodias Gardner was one of the few who dared to speak out against the abuse, and she was whipped for her bravery. What happened to her friend Mary Dyer was even worse.
Jo Ann Butler does a terrific job of depicting the hardships of colonial life, and also Herodias' messy domestic life. That woman simply can't keep her husbands sorted out! I can't wait for the final chapters.
Jo Ann Butler does a terrific job of depicting the hardships of colonial life, and also Herodias' messy domestic life. That woman simply can't keep her husbands sorted out! I can't wait for the final chapters.
July 7, 2013
I’ve been visiting the Rebel Puritan website badgering Butler to finish the next part of the Herodias Long saga since the moment I put down book #1.Butler did not disappoint. Reputed Wife was equally compelling! I completed another read of Rebel Puritan, and I am now impatiently awaiting Butler’s completion of book #3.
March 15, 2014
Such a captivating story about one of the author's ancestors. This is a sequel to Butler's first novel "The Rebel Puritan." I loved the first book so much that I was excited to continue reading Herod's story. A great look at the Puritan/Quaker conflict of the 17th century in New England. Bonus points for the book being free to borrow on Kindle!
April 11, 2013
The Reputed Wife is now available as a print book at www.rebelpuritan.com/. A Kindle version is also available at Amazon.
September 10, 2017
I hope I can remember which are the fictional aspects of Herod's story and which is her story as told in the records created during her lifetime. I'm looking forward to reading the next book about my 8th great grandmother.
June 11, 2021
no mistakes on the story, very good with history and awesome descriptions for the whole story, its like I am in there but watching it.
December 30, 2014
Shame on me, for waiting more than a year and half to review this EXCELLENT book. I gave it a five-star rating in Goodreads, and thought my work was done.
The Reputed Wife is not only a thrilling story of real people in early-colonial Rhode Island, but because it's written by antiquarian/archaeologist/genealogist Jo Ann Butler, it accurately depicts the culture and scenery of the mid-17th-century. I would certainly add "writer/author" to those descriptors, because Butler's prose are clean and clear, and draw the reader into the picture effortlessly. (Well, effortlessly on your part--good writing is hard work.)
As I said in my review of Butler's first book in the trilogy, Rebel Puritan (A Scandalous Life Book 1), the story is about Herodias Long, who survived many situations that would traumatize people of our day. Out of that strength, Herodias finds the wherewithal to take her infant daughter and a teenage helper, and walk through wilderness to the Massachusetts town where she'd once lived, and commit civil disobedience by speaking against the governor and ruling magistrates and ministers, in defense of the Quakers who were being tortured and imprisoned. For that sedition (there was no freedom of speech, religion, or assembly), and particularly for being a woman reviling men, she and the teenage girl were stripped nude to the waist and whipped 10 stripes with a three-knot leather whip. That's not a few welts like you might have gotten on your backside as a naughty child. These were huge wounds that left hideous scars for life. Herodias knew it beforehand.
Even at 400 pages, The Reputed Wife is a fast read because it's so well-written, and it's suitable for teens through adults, men and women.
Hie thyself to the "buy-now" button for the ebook, or even better, go to the Rebel Puritan website and get the paperback.
The Reputed Wife is not only a thrilling story of real people in early-colonial Rhode Island, but because it's written by antiquarian/archaeologist/genealogist Jo Ann Butler, it accurately depicts the culture and scenery of the mid-17th-century. I would certainly add "writer/author" to those descriptors, because Butler's prose are clean and clear, and draw the reader into the picture effortlessly. (Well, effortlessly on your part--good writing is hard work.)
As I said in my review of Butler's first book in the trilogy, Rebel Puritan (A Scandalous Life Book 1), the story is about Herodias Long, who survived many situations that would traumatize people of our day. Out of that strength, Herodias finds the wherewithal to take her infant daughter and a teenage helper, and walk through wilderness to the Massachusetts town where she'd once lived, and commit civil disobedience by speaking against the governor and ruling magistrates and ministers, in defense of the Quakers who were being tortured and imprisoned. For that sedition (there was no freedom of speech, religion, or assembly), and particularly for being a woman reviling men, she and the teenage girl were stripped nude to the waist and whipped 10 stripes with a three-knot leather whip. That's not a few welts like you might have gotten on your backside as a naughty child. These were huge wounds that left hideous scars for life. Herodias knew it beforehand.
Even at 400 pages, The Reputed Wife is a fast read because it's so well-written, and it's suitable for teens through adults, men and women.
Hie thyself to the "buy-now" button for the ebook, or even better, go to the Rebel Puritan website and get the paperback.
February 20, 2015
Reviewed for the Historical Novel Society -
Set in the middle of the seventeenth century, in Newport, Rhode Island, Herodias Long, separated from her abusive first husband, struggles to live a calm and contented life with her new common-law husband, George Gardner. Between repeated childbirths she is restless and particularly disturbed by the behaviour of her best friend Mary Dyer, who returns from an extended visit to England declaring that she has become a Quaker. With her new-found faith and Quaker friends, Mary insists on spreading the word into the Puritan areas around Boston, even though they know that this could bring danger of imprisonment, whipping, torture or even death.
Though not a Quaker herself, when Herodias hears that two of Mary’s women friends have been whipped and imprisoned in Boston, she sets out with her new baby and a young servant girl to walk to Boston to protest at their cruel treatment. She succeeds in gaining freedom for the women, but instead finds herself and the young girl whipped and imprisoned in their place. She is rescued from jail by John Porter, an older man who clearly admires her and returns her to her home. However Mary will not be satisfied until her determination to spread the Quaker faith takes her into imprisonment and eventual sentence of death. Herodias sets out once again, in the supportive company of John Porter to try to save her friend.
This is the second in a series, but it stands alone. The heroine was an ancestress of the writer and the depth of research and admiration that she has for Herodias springs from the pages. I felt that the protagonist’s motives were slightly unclear at times and the prose a little repetitive but the book is very well produced and copy edited.
Set in the middle of the seventeenth century, in Newport, Rhode Island, Herodias Long, separated from her abusive first husband, struggles to live a calm and contented life with her new common-law husband, George Gardner. Between repeated childbirths she is restless and particularly disturbed by the behaviour of her best friend Mary Dyer, who returns from an extended visit to England declaring that she has become a Quaker. With her new-found faith and Quaker friends, Mary insists on spreading the word into the Puritan areas around Boston, even though they know that this could bring danger of imprisonment, whipping, torture or even death.
Though not a Quaker herself, when Herodias hears that two of Mary’s women friends have been whipped and imprisoned in Boston, she sets out with her new baby and a young servant girl to walk to Boston to protest at their cruel treatment. She succeeds in gaining freedom for the women, but instead finds herself and the young girl whipped and imprisoned in their place. She is rescued from jail by John Porter, an older man who clearly admires her and returns her to her home. However Mary will not be satisfied until her determination to spread the Quaker faith takes her into imprisonment and eventual sentence of death. Herodias sets out once again, in the supportive company of John Porter to try to save her friend.
This is the second in a series, but it stands alone. The heroine was an ancestress of the writer and the depth of research and admiration that she has for Herodias springs from the pages. I felt that the protagonist’s motives were slightly unclear at times and the prose a little repetitive but the book is very well produced and copy edited.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews