He’s Hiding from the Disgrace of His Name . . . She’s Running from the Legacy of Hers
Hank Olsen doesn’t see the stares or hear the whispers anymore. Living in the shadows of an imprisoned father, a drug-addicted mother, and a notorious uncle, he knows he’ll never find anything but scorn until he can move far from his hometown. But when the intriguing new girl at Rosman High declares him to be her friend, Hank’s entire life begins to turn upside down.
Isobel Lee is facing yet another move and another new school during her senior year. But when her worst fear becomes a real-life family tragedy, she finds herself the center of unwanted attention everywhere she goes—even in her grandmother’s small Appalachian town. It seems everyone already has their friends and their opinions. There’s no place for her here until outcast Hank Olsen offers her a reprieve from the staring eyes and judgy whispers.
When a series of mysterious fires breaks out around town, Hank’s old enemies rush to implicate him. But will his ticket to an honorable future cost him the best friend he’s ever had? And will his decision make or break the future Hank and Bel hope to have together?
HANNAH HOOD LUCERO is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have one dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”
the sweet romance, small town dynamics, perfect banter, and suspense are all what I have come to expect from a Hannah Lucero novel, but the found family aspect was what made this one probably my favorite of hers yet.
The sense of community and belonging layered into this novel---while each character walks through various shades of grief---absolutely make it shine, transcending the YA genre. I wante dto hug Hank and tell him everything was going to be okay, and to cheers Bel and Hank's girls (IYKYK) with a cold, crisp bottle of Cheerwine for walking bravely through unimaginable sorrow but managing to hold one anohter up for the journey.
A Name to Remember is an absolutely incredible story of romance, faith, and found family. From the very first page, Hank and Bel had me completely invested in their lives and budding relationship.
There were so many layers in this story that enhanced the reading experience. Hank was collateral damage in his parents' damaging lifestyle. Yet he kept his head down, focusing on his own life and blocking out all of the people screaming their hate at him. In steps Bel Lee, a girl who loses her dad while he's serving in the United States military. The same Bel who Hank met as a thirteen-year-old boy and immediately crushed on.
Their romance was so ridiculously sweet and full of teen longing. I love that it was built on friendship and faith, making their foundation that much stronger.
Gran and Sarah were amazing side characters who lived the love of Jesus and shared that love with Hank. The faith was such a beautiful layer to this story.
The little side-plot of suspense had me at the edge of my seat until we reach the conclusion. So much tension from other side-plots had my eyes glued to my Kindle until I reached the end.
This is one of those books you simultaneously don't want to put down but don't want to end.
I can confidently say "A Name to Remember" is one of my top favorite reads of 2025.
Lucero returns to YA—and Rosman—in this sweet romance/edgy suspense Christian novel. I loved every minute I spent with these memorable characters. A book I’ll gladly be recommending for teens, but which is sure to delight long time fans of Lucero with cameo appearances by past characters and her signature military heroes and heroines.
"I'm saying it is always God's will that we put our trust in him. Only he sees our comings and goings from start to finish. Hank just began to seek the Lord, and wouldn't it be a crying shame if you got in the way of that by discouraging the thing God might have placed in his path for a purpose?"
Although she liked visiting Rosman, Bel never planned on living there. But when she and her mom needed a fresh start, moving in with Gran felt like the best option. Running into Hank - a friend she made years ago, may just help to save her senior year. Bel is feisty yet defeated. Starting over feels exhausting. Hank is misunderstood and wonders if connecting with the new girl will help him stay under the radar. But he has felt drawn to Bel from the beginning. He can't stop now.
I do not read a lot of young adult fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it was geared to the right audience. Because of the themes and content, I would recommend it for high schoolers and up. I certainly enjoyed it as an adult.
This book deals with loss of many sorts. Yet there is hope to be found in the pages because faith is a strong element. Trusting in God despite challenging circumstances is an important theme.
This book has it all. Family and friendship. Service and sacrifice. Military and civilian life. A mystery to solve that included suspenseful scenes and tragic loss. Faith. And just the right amount of romance that matches the high school scenario. I bookmarked ten pages of quotes I wanted to remember. This has been a challenging month for me, and I needed the reminder that God is "never stronger than when we are weak." The messages really ministered to me, but the book was also a really enjoyable read.
I was delighted to be able to read an early copy of another one of Hannah's books. She has become one of my favorite authors. I wanted to review the book. All opinions are my own.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a young adult Christian romantic suspense book. The main characters are Hank and Isobel. Isobel is new to school and Hank notices her as they became friends years ago. When Isobel receives unwanted attention Hank is there for her. Hank has a horrible family and wants to get out of town as soon as possible. Will Hank and Isobel be able to heal together? Will they be the rock each other needs? Things start happening in town and people are trying to implicate Hank. Can he prove his innocence and show he is nothing like his family? Hank has a plan for his future. Will it cost him Isobel and what they have? I loved Hank and Isobel together. They were perfect for each other. This book is friends to more which is my favorite. I loved watching Hank and Isobel grow in their faith. I loved watching them rely on God. I love the found family aspect to this book. God will never leave you. He has a plan for you. He has people in your life for a reason. Everything that happens to you will make you stronger in the end. This book did make me cry some but I’m not complaining as it was worth it. This author writes some of the most amazing stories ever. Overall, I loved this book so much and would reread it.
A Name to Remember is a beautifully written story about love, loss, resilience, and redemption.
It follows an Army family who moves to the small town of Rosman after the heartbreaking loss of their father. There, Bell meets Hank—her childhood crush—who quickly becomes the heart of this unforgettable story.
Hank’s journey is powerful and emotional. Raised by a mother who battled addiction and didn’t have a role in his life, Hank was judged harshly by others and labeled a “bad kid.” But in reality, he was kind, determined, and full of potential. Thanks to Bell, her grandmother, and her mother, he found the support he needed to finish school and eventually join the Marine Corps.
This book has everything: 💛 Clean romance 💛 Mystery and excitement 💛 Tear-jerking moments 💛 A story of hope, healing, and second chances
Hank’s character especially stood out to me—he’s a true example of how someone can rise above life’s hardships and become something great.
I absolutely recommend A Name to Remember to anyone and everyone who enjoys emotional, meaningful reads with strong characters and a beautifully told story.
5 years after a brief meeting while visiting her grandma, Bel moves to a small rural NC town, where Hank lives. Starting at a new school in the middle of your senior year is tough on anyone, but for Bel, it's normal, except for everyone knows who she is because of her dad. Everyone except Hank, who just so happens to be the first person to help Bel on her first day. As an outsider, drug addict's son, and the one the town thinks is causing all the fires around town, Hank doesn't have many friends. The girl from his past and he become attached at the hip. Will their friendship blossom into more and can they withstand the town gossip and whatever comes next in their future?
I don't often venture into YA, but for Hannah Hood Lucero, I will. A Name to Remember is packed with faith, heartache, forgiveness, kindness, sweet kisses, banter, and tense family dynamics. There is a clear Gospel presentation and a redemption arc. While there is romance, it is innocent and sweet.
Oh and Gran will make you snort with laughter. I need some more Gran in my life.
Is this my new favorite Lucero book? At least until her next one.
I adored this book from beginning to end. It has so much depth and emotion throughout, making me tear up several times, but it's also balanced out with Ms. Lucero's brand of humor, wit, and banter. Hank and Bel are just the sweetest and so perfect for one another. I loved watching their relationship deepen with each page. And the faith? So many moments of Truth within the pages.
This is one of the best YA books I've ever read, and it has all the elements—suspense, mystery, depth, friendship, sweet romance, faith, and banter—that adults will enjoy it as well!
A Name to Remember is a sweet, heartwarming YA story! I didn't know it when I started it, but it is a YA book (which of course anyone can read!), but surprisingly I really enjoyed it! I loved how much the two main characters, Bel and Hank grew in their faith, in their self-esteem and in their relationships with each other and their families. I also loved seeing them overcome the struggles of their past and I will admit that I teared up twice at the end! (it was sooooo sweet!) Overall, I give it 5 stars!
I was given this book to read by the author to read and review - all opinions are my own!
Lucero did it again with another YA novel A Name to Remember. It is a sweet, sad, compelling love story between a young high school couple, both going through tough life situations. They learn to lean on God, family and each other for support while the suspense will keep your pages turning to find out answers. You won’t be able to put the book down. Don’t be surprised by a few tears shed. I love the location that a lot of her books take place because I was born and raised here. I will say there better be a sequel for Hank! All opinions are my own I had the privilege of being an ARC reader before the release date.
Hannah Hood Lucero's latest novel is exceptional. Hank and Bell's story is heart-wrenching yet full of hope.
As a military brat, Isobel's life has been a constant adventure but after the worst happens, she starts over again where she runs into Hank, a long ago friend.
A Name to Remember is a YA novel, however I'm sure readers of above YA age will enjoy it as well.
A Name to Remember honors those that have gone before us and tackles the consequences for those left behind.
If you enjoy hard-hitting, miltary Christian fiction, then I'm sure you'll enjoy A Name To Remember.
I received an ARC from the author but wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I have had this book a few months, and wasn't sure about it....not sure why. I finally read it this evening, and wow....another amazing read from this great author. Hank was such an awesome character. You can't help but love him and admire him for the kind of guy he is. And Bel is the perfect best friend into girlfriend for him.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Bel realizes no one has ever talked to Hank about Jesus, and she, her mom, and her Gran converge on the guy to give him the Gospel. There was more than one time this book made my eyes water. Amazing, awesome book with great characters, plot, and ending. So glad I discovered this author.
Using the wit, snarky fun banter, suspenseful twists and turns we have come to expect from her, Lucero brings a compelling story of the varied plights of many young people in our society today. With dignity, grace, and a large helping of mercy we follow Hank and Bel’s journey to faith and emotional healing as they travel through their senior year at Rosman High.
A fantastic YA read that transcends the YA market and spills over into Adult must reads as well.
I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve SOBBED. Legit sobbed. In a car. The story touched me so much, far beyond what I could’ve imagined and I thank you for sending me a paperback copy. Hank and Bel hold a close place in my heart forever just as much as Vala and Luca. As the daughter of a veteran myself, I felt so proud just reading this and seeing the representation. If you’re looking for the perfect 4th of July read, this is it! Run. Run now.
If any author knows how to break your heart and carefully glue it back together, it's Hannah Hood Lucero. A Name to Remember is a breathtaking story about unfair judgment, loss, found family, and healing love. Lucero has a special gift for evoking all the emotions and weaving in a message that will stay with you long after you finished the book. Give me more!
This book is captivating from start to finish. Hank and Bel’s journey is so beautiful, their personal growth and relationship is inspiring to say the least. This is a story of true love, acceptance, grief, growth, beautiful faith in our Lord, a dash of suspense, overcoming stigma and so much more. I love how Ms. Lucero balances deep emotion where I was tearing up one chapter and then giggling at wit and banter the next! Hannah Hood Lucero gets me again and again. Each new novel becomes a favorite. Thank you for an advanced copy! All thoughts are my own. 💛
I loved this book. I was hooked from the start. Hank and Bel were adorable! I really enjoyed their journey as they both navigated their own struggles. I was invested through the whole story trying to work out the fires and how they would navigate Hank's calling.
I always enjoy Hannah's stories , but her YA has its own sweet vibes to it that I just adore.