A New Name

Grace Livingston Hill has been an author I have enjoyed reading for a long time. She does a great job of touching the "lives of readers. . . with the message of 'enduring love' and the true way to lasting happiness: a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ." This story does that, plus gives you people who are facing problems and learning triumph through them, along with a good dose of romance!

In this story Murray Van Rensselaer is a man who is wealthy and enjoys living for the here and now. He offers a lovely young woman who he hasn't seen in years, a ride in his car and that car rides results in Murray standing in the hospital listening to a nurse say, "The girl is dead". Murray runs away and finds himself in a small town show more where everyone has mistaken him for another gentleman who never showed up. While Murray "pretends" to be someone else, he realizes how much he would truly like to have 'a new name' and begin his life over.

Some may find this story slow in parts because Murray does alot of thinking in the story and not so much conversation and fast paced action, but I enjoyed myself and enjoyed the transformation of a man named Murray. show less

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A new name in a new town is all that wealthy Murray Van Rensselaer needs after he thinks he's killed his childhood friend in a car accident. Confused and afraid, Murray flees, determined to erase his past with a fresh start. When, miles from his home, Murray is mistakenly assumed to be the new young banker arriving in town, not even he believes that assuming a new identity could be this easy. But as the kindness and faith of those around him begins to convict his heart, will Murray admit his lie and face whatever consequences await him back home?

I like Grace Livingston Hill - she's one of my go-to authors for relaxing reading - but I didn't care for this book.

Murray Van Rensselaer is a spoiled young man who has come to a cross roads in his life. He was driving too fast with a female acquaintance, caused an accident and thinks he caused the death of his passenger. Rather than stay and face the music he flees. He ends up assuming, somewhat by accident, the identity of another young man. He's pretty good at blending in with his surroundings, and assuming this man's identity means that he has to become an upstanding and church-going man. He undergoes a change of heart and ultimately confesses to his bad behavior. Everything ties up neatly in the end.

Why I didn't like this book: I'm show more skeptical about a change of heart accomplished so quickly and thoroughly. Also - a little too much whining by the main character about how he can never return home. show less