Scandal does not define the “fallen” ladies of Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home. Instead, it’s a recipe for an intoxicating new future as the women combine their talents—to operate their own brewery and alehouse . . . When Penelope Barnes arrived at the Home with her young daughter, she discovered a knack for horticulture—and for cultivating the hops needed to produce a superlative pint. She … superlative pint. She put her scandalous affair with Harry Graham firmly in the past, along with the wrenching pain she felt when he went off to war. After all, she’d always known a farmer’s daughter had no future with an earl’s son. Now she has the pleasant memory of their passion, and she has little Harriet, for whom she would do anything—even marry a boring country vicar . . .
Harry went off to fight for the Crown unaware that his delightful interlude with his childhood friend had permanent consequences. Now he’s back in England, catapulted into the title by his brother’s untimely death. He sorely misses his former life of unfettered adventure, so when he has reason to explore Little Puddledon, he jumps at the chance. But what he finds there is something—and someone—he never knew he’d lost, and a once forbidden love whose time has come, if only he can persuade Pen he’s home to stay . . .
Sally MacKenzie’s novels are . . .
“Always a delight.” —Booklist, Starred Review
“Perfect.” —RT Book Reviews
“Naked, noble, and irresistible!” —Eloisa James
“Great fun.” —Publishers Weekly
more
This is a second chance at love, cross-class, secret baby romance–and no, it doesn’t feel crowded! It takes place over a short period of time, with lots of conversation, great dialogue, and honesty. The hero and heroine talked like adults, treated each other with respect, and thought of their daughter’s needs. Plus: ale!
When Penelope Barnes arrived at the Home with her young daughter, she discovered a knack for horticulture and for cultivating the hops needed to produce a superlative pint. She put her summer of love with Harry Graham firmly in the past, along with the wrenching pain she felt when he went off to war. After all, she’d always known a farmer’s daughter had no future with an earl’s son. Now she has the pleasant memory of their passion, and she has little Harriet, for whom she would do anything even marry a boring country vicar. Harry went off to fight for the Crown unaware that his delightful interlude with his childhood friend Pen had permanent consequences. Now he’s back in England, catapulted into the title by his brother’s untimely death. He sorely misses his former life of unfettered adventure, so when he’s asked by his friend the Duke of Grainger to explore Little Puddledon, he jumps at the chance.
I enjoyed the book & liked the premis of the Home but I did have issues with Harry, his attitude to Pen annoyed me & I for one would have left him high & dry, he did however redeem himself in the end after an hilarious scene at the cottage. Pen had to grow up when she found out she was pregnant & had to leave home, she’s forged a life for herself & Harriet. The characters are well developed & the pace of the story was good. This is the start of a new series & I look forward to some of the other residents having their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
What Ales the Earl by Sally MacKenzie is book One in the Widow’s Brew series. This is the story of Penelope Barnes and Harry Graham.
Penelope and Harry where childhood friends that turned to a lover’s relationship. But Harry ended up going to war and now several years later he has returned. Harry didn’t know that he was leaving Penelope with a lasting outcome of their relationship when he left. Now he is back having to take over a title that he inherited after his brother death. When going to Little Puddledon he finds Penelope and Harry starts to learn all he lost.
I really enjoyed their story and think this is a great start to a great series.
3.5 stars – rounded up
Harry Graham and Penelope Barnes were childhood friends and eventually lovers, they parted ways ten years ago when Harry went off to war. But unbeknownst to Harry, Pen gave birth to a daughter and moved away from Darrow.
Now Harry is back from the war and had unexpectedly inherited the earldom of Darrow from his wastrel brother. He has promised his mother he will marry and has chosen his bride – Lady Susan Palmer. The night he is going to propose, his friend the Duke of Grainger begs him to do an investigation for him. Grainger also inherited unexpectantly and has found a payment being made to someone identified as JSW in Little Puddleton. Harry delays proposing and sets off for Little Puddleton.
Pen has lived in the Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children since her daughter Harriet was just a baby. As the daughter of a tenant farmer, she never expected Harry to marry her and has no regrets, she loves Harriet and will do anything to protect her – even marry the vicar. She lived with her aunt while she was expecting and they came up with a story – Pen calls herself Mrs. Barnes and claims to be a war widow, she has made a life for them, with her knowledge of farming, she grows hops for the brewery they started – Widow’s brew. This story has held for years, but new comers to the home recognize the distinctive silver stripe in Harriet’s hair, that mark her as a Graham. They assume that she is the daughter of the former Earl (Walter) as he spread his seed far and wide. When Harriet confronts Pen about her birth, Pen feels rushed to marry the vicar before gossip spreads.
Harry comes across Harriet and when he sees her hair, makes the same assumption as everyone else. But when he finds Pen being assaulted, he knows the truth. Harriet is his! This begins the reunion of Harry and Pen – but there will be no happy ending – he is going to marry Lady Susan, Earls do not marry farmers daughters. They reconnect and it is clear that the passion and friendship they shared never died and now Harry wants Pen and Harriet in his life for good, but Pen is not sure, she has to do what is best for Harriet – she loves Harry, she always has and always will and she desires him, but she has doubts about how Harriet will be treated.
When Lady Susan, Letitia (Harry’s SIL) and his mother show up in town, Harry’s ideas for the future take a radical turn – but will Pen agree with his new plans?
This book was well written, fast paced read that had a little bit of angst, steamy love scenes, some amusing banter and a sweet second chance at love. And while I didn’t particularly care for Harry at the beginning (it had nothing to do with him not considering marriage to Pen), I did end up loving him by the end. I also thought that this book was one of the most historically accurate regarding the class differences that I have read in a long time, because let’s be honest, an Earl would not consider marrying a farmers daughter – it just wasn’t done. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series and hope that we get a glimpse of Harry, Pen and Harriet’s future, since this book did not have an epilogue (Boo!).
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher..*
Reviewed by Pam
Sally Mac’s books always have a distinctive style. While staying with Regency trope, she also delivers a humerous tale. The heroes don’t stand a chance!
Publisher’s Description:
Scandal does not define the “fallen” ladies of Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home. Instead, it’s a recipe for an intoxicating new future as the women combine their talents—to operate their own brewery and alehouse . . .
When Penelope Barnes arrived at the Home with her young daughter, she discovered a knack for horticulture—and for cultivating the hops needed to produce a superlative pint. She put her scandalous affair with Harry Graham firmly in the past, along with the wrenching pain she felt when he went off to war. After all, she’d always known a farmer’s daughter had no future with an earl’s son. Now she has the pleasant memory of their passion, and she has little Harriet, for whom she would do anything—even marry a boring country vicar . . .
Harry went off to fight for the Crown unaware that his delightful interlude with his childhood friend had permanent consequences. Now he’s back in England, catapulted into the title by his brother’s untimely death. He sorely misses his former life of unfettered adventure, so when he has reason to explore Little Puddledon, he jumps at the chance. But what he finds there is something—and someone—he never knew he’d lost, and a once forbidden love whose time has come, if only he can persuade Pen he’s home to stay . . .
My Thoughts:
This first book in the new Widow’s Brew Series, is as expected from Sally MacKenzie a delightful mixture of humor and angst.
If I want to laugh at some point in a read and nearly cry at others I can depend on this author to give me both emotions as well as well thought out and intelligent characters that make the most out of their situations.
I loved this second chance romance and devoured it in a single sitting.
The pun in the title should let the reader know in advance that this will be a fun read.
Harry and Pen’s resumption of a ten year old love with a separation due to war and their differences in status is a delightful regency romp. Their daughter Harriett makes for some poignant and humorous moments in this quick read. Harriett is both a precocious and intuitive nine year old whose perspective on other people is spot on.
The fact that Harry can only think of keeping his love and their daughter by asking the love of his life to become his mistress is the only stumbling block in this otherwise wonderfully written book. Everyone knows though that in regency times love was not really an option and one married for position instead. Men often kept mistresses that they loved as well as wives they only tolerated.
I gave this book 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames as our couple did not jump right back into intimacy after their lengthy separation.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book that I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I enjoyed the book, but you do have to remember this is fiction and you have to suspend belief for some parts. I liked Harry as a person, but thought he had some pretty stupid ideas and didn’t think many things through. I really like Pen. She had her head on straight and knew all the problems she faced with any decision she made and tried to think through all the repercussions she and Harriet would face and deal with. Harriet on the other hand, I LOVED! She was adorable and a sprite! I enjoyed the story especially when Harry’s mom came into the picture. Total twist on how you expect this story to go! I do recommend reading this, just remember, it is Fiction! Thank you for ARC NetGalley!
I’ve enjoyed the whole series. Sally MacKenzie is an excellent, creative author!
I just knew from the title and the play on words this might be a fun read. I was not disappointed in the least. Penelope Barnes makes her home with her young daughter at the Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home for fallen ladies. She went there years ago to make a life for herself and put behind her affair with Harry Graham before he went off to war. She also became part of the ladies operating their own alehouse and brewery. Harry is now back in England and contemplating his own marriage when he makes a visit to Little Puddledon and comes in contact with Penelope again. He makes assumptions when he sees her daughter and does not realize at first it is his own.
This second chance at love tale has a little of it all. Secrets, snappy banter and a chance at love that is so heartwarming. Do not miss this first book in the Widow’s Brew series.
This is a finalist in the historical short category. This is a second chance at love story between an Earl and a farmer’s daughter.
10 years ago, when Penelope was 17 and Harry was 18, they were friends and then lovers. Harry went off to war, neither of them realized she was pregnant. Now Harry is back and has inherited the title, his mother desperately wants him to marry and have heirs. Meanwhile, Pen was forced to leave home & live with an aunt. Eventually she landed at a home for widows and children. Pen and her 2 friends, Jo and Caro, grow hops and brew beer they call The Widow’s Brew. Harry has some business in her village, and realizes he has a daughter.
Pluses: I was kind of worried about this beer-brewing business, but the truth is IDNGAF about “historical accuracy” and I just rolled with it. I liked the way Pen & her friends fought for independence in an unfair world. Pen is a great character and a good mother. This is a nice book about people who made mistakes and are honest with each other and with themselves. I very much liked the Pen talked to her daughter about what was going on once the village figures out what is going on. (Pen had lied about a husband who died in the war.)
Wishes: Because this is a nice book about people doing the right thing, there wasn’t much conflict. There is an upsetting scene at the beginning with the vicar, who was courting Pen but attempts to rape her once he discovers she was “a whore.” The other conflict is that Pen & Harry can never marry because of EnglandTimes™ Rules. Harry is practically engaged to a lady named Susan. She ends up being pretty terrible and mean, cartoonishly so. The fact that Susan is so awful was just kind of a bummer in a book where all the other women are supportive of each other.
Verdict: The best part for me was the straightforward depiction of how inequality (sexism and class) impact women. If you like marriage plots & strong female characters you’ll like this book. If you nitpick historical accuracy or ahistorically feminist thinking, this might not be for you. I liked it.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I’m reviewing the 2019 RITA finalists.
Expected more from this author, and it felt flat.
This book is an absolute treasure. I couldn’t help but love Harry and Pen, and Harriet was adorable!
Another delightful romp from Sally Mackenzie. Her books are always a treat.
Unlikable hero.
You need to look up the spelling of ails in the title. I do not think it is spelled Ales.