What Ales the Earl

Widow’s Brew Series, Book 1

By: Sally MacKenzie

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

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....

Harry went off to fight for the Crown unaware 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....

Contains mature themes.

©2018 Sally MacKenzie (P)2018 Tantor

Good enough

I found this book to be interesting because of the resignment the couple adopted to the rules of society. That is very different than other Regency books that usually about at least one of the couple trying to buck society rules. There were many sweet moments. I didn't particularly like the sex scene... but the flashbacks to their teen sexual exploitation was quite funny at times.
WONDERFUL Narrator!!

Disappointed!

Story was ok however, way to many thoughts and not enough conversation...The ending was disappointing and flat! Loved the narrator!

life is is the same though time

It gave heart to the hairestoury as well as showing the bitchy side of some people very true to life
.😆

Enjoyed both the story and narration.

I was impressed with the strength of the single mother who has made a way for her daughter and herself. I also enjoyed the hero’s journey from what life has to be to what life can be.

No epilogue?

Overall, I really liked the story. I liked the characters (minus Caro, who I thought was outlandishly rude abd a bit unfeeling). However, it was at times a little too slow with excessive thoughts over actual dialogue. It was also a bit repetitive both in language and with concepts. Some aspects seemed more modern than regency as well.

I was very frustrated 1/2 way through. I didn’t like where the story seemed to be going however I thought the ending was quite satisfying.

Great narration from Justine Eyre as always!