Series:
Widow's Brew (Book 1)
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...
Good second chance love story. Pen and Harry were childhood
friends who became lovers during one memorable summer. But at seventeen and
eighteen, neither gave any thought to the possible consequences of their
actions. Harry went off to war, and Pen discovered she was pregnant. She never
expected an earl's son to marry a farmer's daughter, so she and her aunt devised
a fictional husband to protect Pen's reputation. After her aunt's death, Pen
and little Harriet ended up at the Benevolent Home. Pen's farming background
came in handy as she took over growing the hops for the Home's signature product,
the Widow's Brew ale. Ten years later, she realizes she needs a better way to
keep her secret and protect Harriet. With a dearth of eligible men in the
village, she settles on the vicar as her best bet for a husband. But when a
newcomer to the Home spills her secret, the vicar turns out to be a wolf in
sheep's clothing, and Pen finds herself in a precarious situation. Rescue comes
from an unexpected source.
Harry is called home after ten years in the British army
when his older brother dies. Harry never expected to become the earl and is
overwhelmed by the changes in his life. One of those changes is the need to marry
and have an heir. After settling on Lady Susan, he is called away to help a
friend before he can propose. He's shocked to encounter Pen and discover that
he has a daughter. He's happy to see Pen and wants to get to know Harriet.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between
Harry and Pen. The chemistry between them is even stronger than before, and
neither can resist the pull. Both are cognizant of the class divide between
them. Harry is ready to make Pen his mistress and move her and Harriet close to
him, but Pen won't put Harriet in that situation. I loved that Pen had the
strength and resolve to stand up against a situation that would not be good for
them. I was disappointed in Harry and his inability to see the wrongness of his
plan, though it is typical of his class and time. It isn't until an unexpected
confrontation that he realizes he needs to use his heart rather than his head
to make the right decision for everyone. All he has to do is convince Pen,
which will be challenging. I loved her surprise visitor and the advice she
received.
There were some terrific scenes between Harry and Pen
outside of their chemistry. Their connection is still strong, and the friendship
they shared in the past was quickly revived. I liked Harry's protectiveness and
cheered at his confrontation with the vicar. Harry's joy at learning that he
has a daughter was sweet, and I loved his interactions with Harriet. I also
liked Pen's friends, Jo and Caro. They are terrific support for Pen as she
deals with everything that happens. I look forward to reading their stories.
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