What Ales the Earl by Sally MacKenzie was an historical romance with a twist. Penelope Barnes found herself pregnant and ended up at the Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children. There she found herself in charge of growing hops. The Home has various pursuits to earn money, but the Ale (with Penelope’s hops) is their biggest hope and income.

Harry left the farm and his best friend Penelope to go to war. When his brother dies, he is forced to come home and become the Duke. His mother and sister-in-law are pushing for him to get married and start a family. He has finally narrowed down the choices to one woman - who just talks and talks and talks. Luckily he took on a favor for a friend and found his old friend and now is the time to really figure out what he wants.

I like how Penelope and Harry were together and how he realizes what he could have. I loved the twists and surprises. I think that this series (The Widow’s Brew) is going to be a fun one to read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.What Ales the Earl by Sally MacKenzie was a good read.

Oh boy. I don't even know where to start with this one.

It's a historical romance. While I don't enjoy it, I do expect some level of misogyny in the books. This was extra. You could tell that the author was trying to do the opposite because you couldn't go a paragraph without getting hit over the head with the idea of Pen being a businessWOMAN. Unfortunately, it mostly just came off patronizing.

There were some weird quirks to the writing as well. 'Zeus' was a common oath for some reason. I found descriptions very repetitive and characters would repeat the same things over and over. Every time a character mentioned the word 'whore', they stuttered, even if it was out of character. It was exhausting. I found a lot of the book was about the telling, not showing, which often makes the characters actions pretty hypocritical.

Also, plot-wise there were a ton of things that didn't make sense. (view spoiler) I also hated Harry with the passion of a thousand suns. He was a wishy-washy idiot who seemed incapable of making a decision.

This could be the right book for someone, it just definitely wasn't for me.

Light second chance at love romance

I've really enjoyed Sally MacKenzie's books in the past but I was dissapointed that this story was just "ok".
While Pen is a somewhat likable character I just couldn't get very vested in Harry. His attitude about his required timely marriage and then how he proposes to bring Pen back into his life just fell flat.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

The first story in the Widow’s Brew series caught me off guard. Let me preface this, as there may be those who may be reading a review from me for the first time. In a lot of instances, I’ll select a book merely by the title name, author, and possibly genre. Due to my busy schedule I don’t always read the book blurbs or research the books before I launch into them. You read that correctly. I typically know nothing about the book and I like to go in a little blind. Keeps me on my toes and allows me to fully absorb the experience.

That being said… I enjoyed this story, though I’ll admit there were a few things that threw me off. Let’s get the ‘off’ things out of the way. One, the heroine at times comes off as a conundrum. At times she settles, allowing herself and her daughter to be treated in a fashion I disliked. Then at others she stands up for herself. I found Penelope’s relationship with other women disheartening, where she let those women push her around instead of standing up for herself. Though, due to the character’s past, her nature is not surprising.

Two, the hero had a similar flip flop from being heroic to thinking very dude bro about Penelope. At times I wanted to slap him. For me, dude bro heroes are hard sells, typically. Though, the hero eventually wised up to his dumb ways of thinking, I am not sure if he experienced truth growth. Outside of the situation just working out for him.

Things I enjoyed included the truth of Penelope’s circumstances. She’s the daughter of a farmer, an unwed mother, and I think McKenzie did a fantastic job of showing the type of life a woman in her position would end up in, especially back in those times. Her options were few and the fact she survived is testament to her strength. This book also played with some of my favorite tropes, second chance romance and class warfare.

I will continue with this series as I am interested in seeing what happens to the other secondary characters that I believe will be future heroines. At least I hope they will be. For those looking for historical reads with a mid-level angst factor.

I recommend this book for readers who love Miranda Neville.

The story is well written and enjoyable. The story revolves around Pen, the daughter of a farmer and Harry, now the Earl of Darrow. After having worked for the crown for ten years, Harry returns to England after learning of his brother’s death and becomes the new earl. While on a mission for a friend, Harry learns he is a father and meets his 9 year old daughter. The story is about the difficulties Pen has had to endure, the harassment Harriet is experiencing and Harry’s new found daughter. There is a lot going on in the story and it is worth the read. I would highly recommend this book.

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 received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. What Ales The Earl is the first book in Sally MacKenzie’s Widows Brew Series. Second son Harry Graham had a very passionate summer with his childhood friend Penelope Barnes and then went off to war. Ten years later his brother has died and he is now the Earl of Darrow under great pressure from his mother to marry and produce an heir. He leaps at the opportunity to escape the marriage mart if only for a brief time when his friend the Duke of Grainger asks him to investigate the mystery of a small payment made to someone annually in the town of Little Puddledon by the previous duke. The first person he meets on his arrival in Little Puddledon is a young girl whose distinctive hair colouring leads him to assume she must be one of his brothers by-blows. He discovers to his dismay and delight that Harriet is actually his daughter. His attraction to her mother Penelope Barnes is as strong as ever and he would be more than delighted to pick up where they left off ten years ago. I found it a bit annoying at how long it took for even the vaguest idea of marrying Penelope to occur to him, he was more than willing to bed her all while planning to marry another. This however is probably historically accurate if frustrating to me. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to he rest of the series. Fairly steamy. Publishing Date July 31, 2018. #NetGalley #WhatAlesTheEarl

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

This is a second chance at love for Harry Graham and Penelope Barnes; do they follow their hearts or do what society dictates? This is a fun romp; a well written, if at times maddening, tale with a HEA, lots of heat and some great characters.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars - A delightful second chance regency romance. What Ales the Earl is a surprising read in that many historical romances have men of the ton marrying penniless, non-aristocratic women for love as a matter of course. This is the first read where I genuinely felt like the characters actually believed that if the woman you love is of low birth having her as a mistress was the only option. I’m not a historic stickler, so usually just disregard historical inconsistencies, yet maybe for the first time, Ms. MacKenzie’s writing brought home for me how unfathomable marrying someone of low birth was, to the point that neither character really entertained it as an option. That sort of authenticity in emotion and storytelling permeates this read and makes it all the better because of it. I really enjoyed this one.

I received an ARC of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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!

This is Harry and Pen’s story. They had one glorious summer when she was 17 and he was 18. He was an earl’s second son. She was a farmer’s daughter. She finds out that she is pregnant. She raises her daughter pretending she is a widow. Harry becomes the earl when his brother dies. He comes to her town on a mission for a friend. He finds he has a daughter. He wants Pen to become his mistress while he has a noble wife. She refuses. Pen runs into his choice of wife who insults her and his daughter. He decides he wants to marry Pen. It was another great book by Sally Mackenzie.

I enjoyed reading What Ales the Earl. The teenage lovers meeting again 10 years later storyline kept me interested. Great characters, Harriet was my favorite!

This is the first book in Sally's new Series The Widow's Brew. As you can tell by the title Ale plays a part in this love story. Harry Graham is now the Earl of Darrow after his older brother dies in an unexpected accident. Now he has promised his mother that he will find a bride this season to ensure the succession of his title. The only problem is that all the debutantes are young, feather brains that will drive him to bedlam if he marries one of them. The only remotely acceptable candidate is Lady Susan who is older than the rest, even though he cannot seem to get a word in edgewise. He is resigned to ask for her hand when he is asked to investigate a matter for a friend in a small town called Little Puddledon. He has no idea that this trip is going to turn his life upside down and determine whether his life will be filled with duty and obligation or bring him the joy of love and a HAE.

Penelope Barnes is a participant in a venture that supports the Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows, and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children in the town of Little Puddleton. They grow the hops and brew an ale that is called WIdow's Brew to support the home. She and her beloved daughter Harriet have found a home here. She has managed for almost ten years to pass herself off as a widow with a child. Unfortunately, her fiction is about to be revealed and her illegitimate daughter was the one who will suffer. Growing up the daughter of a drunk and violent farmer, she fell in love with the younger son of a lord who's estate supported the town she grew up in. They spent an idyllic summer together making love and just being happy with each other. Being young they never considered the future or the consequences of what they were doing. Harry goes off to war and Pen is left dealing with the results of their relationship. Now ten years later she has to find a way to keep her secret and protect her daughter. She decides that she must marry and the only remotely eligible man in town the local Vicar. She convinces herself that he will do. Before she can put her plan into motion a new arrival in town spoils her plan and instead of asking for her hand the Vicar attempts to rape her when he finds out that she was never married and her daughter is a bastard. Trying her best to fight him off before he can succeed a man appears and rescues her from the Vicar. She can't believe her eyes, it's Harry! How did he find her and why was he here? Does he know about Harriet, his daughter?

Harry is just as surprised to see Pen in this remote small town. He is happy to see her and wants nothing more than to find out why she is there and what she has been doing for all this time. When he finds out that he has a daughter he decides that he wants to get to know her and realizes that he wants both of them in his life. Only he can't marry Pen, a farmer's daughter, the best he can offer her is a position of his mistress. Pen does love him but she won't put Harriet in a situation that would label her a bastard. She tells Harry no, but he doesn't understand if they love each other how she can turn him away.

This is a story of how the class differences defined the lives of the rich and the poor alike. Even though
Harry loved Pen and his daughter he knows that Society has rules that must not be broken and that he has always been taught that his responsibilities will always come before his happiness. Pen was brought up being told that she can never reach above her station and if she did she would never be accepted by her so-called betters. Children born out of wedlock were treated like dirt and Harriet is an innocent child who doesn't understand why she can't be part of a happy family. Sally writes a story of how love can overcome any stigmas and prejudices. Pen is a truly strong woman who will protect her daughter with her life. Harry is a typical nobleman of the time who thinks he can have his cake and eat it too until he realizes that he has to go against the beliefs that he has known his whole life and make the decision with his heart and not his head.

A great beginning to a new series by Sally. I eagerly await the next book in the 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..*

This was a well told story! Amazing characters - lovable even! A nemesis. I can't have enough good things to say about this book.

Harry has become the Earl of Darrow. His older brother died and Harry is now looking for a bride. It is important for him to marry to produce an heir. He is about to propose to Lady Susan. He does not particularly like her, but she is the daughter of an earl and that means she would be appropriate to become his bride.

Penelope and her daughter, Harriet, are living in Little Puddledon at the Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children.

Harry has been sent to Little Puddledon to do a favor for a friend. Money has been donated to someone there and Harry is to go and find out to whom and for what. The errand will also get him away from the opportunity to propose to Lady Susan.

When he finds Penelope and Harriet, he finds that he has a daughter who is 9 years old. He never knew she existed. He has spent all those years in the war against Napoleon.

Suddenly he begins to feel fatherly toward this bright and charming little girl. And the little girl feels very happy to have a “Papa” of her very own.

This is a fun story. There are some dark and hateful moments when people attack Pen and her daughter because of Pen's unmarried state. It is evidence of the time and place. This was when having a child when unmarried was considered to be not only a sin but also a crime against polite society.

Pen and others at the home are creating an Ale – Widow's Brew – which is very popular, but they have had to struggle because of bad crops for the past two years. The annual donations have meant a great deal to everyone at the Home.

Pen is respected by many in her village because of her knowledge about hops and her hard work. But, that does not mean she and Harriet would be accepted everywhere.

Harriet steals the show. She is intelligent and funny and very quick to assess a situation and recognize people for who they really are. Pen and Harry are very good and strong characters who feel constrained by the rules of society in England. They share a past that not only produced Harriet, but also established the love they had for one another.

The secondary characters add to the story and the plot moves along at a good pace. There is a great deal of humor. Ms MacKenzie writes books which can make the reader laugh out loud.

I have enjoyed this book. It is the first in a series, and I look forward to the next book.

I received the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

Sally Mackenzie is an auto buy for me. I usually love her books. But some can be a little off-putting. This is one of those books. Harry is suddenly the earl after his brother dies without leaving an heir. His mother and sister in law are pressuring him marry because of their own fears. He agrees to wed after a season. He decides on Lady Susan but isn’t happy about the prospect. His friend send him off on an errand to give him a short reprieve. While on this errand, Harry finds Pen, his first love, among other things. From here the story progresses very fast, the whole book happens in less than a week. I liked all of the characters but I had some issues. Pen was very relatable and lovable. She had been surviving ever since she left home, and was just trying to make a way for herself. My only issue with her was she came off as some randy teenager. She’s constantly thinking about getting Harry naked! It was just too much. I felt like it was done just to drag the book on and it didn’t work well. Harry really annoyed me. When he finds Pen, his first thought isn’t to marry her, but to make her his mistress. I know there the barrier, but he’s only newly become the earl and it’s as if he’s been in that mindset his entire life. It annoyed me so much. He was only thinking of himself, and being a selfish jerk, in my opinion. And then, suddenly, he realizes he should marry her. Really? It just didn’t wash for me. I think it’s worth the read, it just has some bumps in the road.

Harry cannot believe his older brother, Walter, is gone and that he has inherited his title, Earl of Darrow. His mother has been pressuring Harry to marry and produce an heir. Harry has looked all season and finally settled on one woman. Before he can propose, Harry's friend has a business matter he wants Harry to deal with for him. That is how Harry finds himself coming face-to-face with a ghost from his past.

Penelope "Pen" Barnes was Harry's childhood friend and later lover. When Harry left her behind, Pen realized that she was with child. In order to protect her unborn baby, Pen went to stay with an aunt. That is how Pen came to be in Little Puddledon living at The Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows, and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children and working to cultivate hops for Widow's Brew, a local ale invented by a friend.

Harry is surprised when he runs into a child he believes to be one of his brother's illegitamite children, but even more surprised when he learns the young girl is his own offspring. Harry reconnects with Pen and begins to realize all he is missing in his life. He wants to keep her and his daughter in his life, but knows getting Pen to agree will not be easy. Find out what happens in WHAT ALES THE EARL.

I really enjoyed Pen as a character, but could not find myself liking Harry all that much. I also think Pen gave in way to easily to Harry's wants and needs. I understand they have a child between them and still love one another, but resist the temptation, LOL! Still, it was great to see Harry and Pen find one another again and get their second chance at love. I especially loved hearing about The Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows, and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children. What a mouthful! And I found it very interesting, a group of forward thinking women, one of them being Pen, developed a brew and were trying to market it in such a time period. Kudos to these strong, independent, intelligent women.

What Ales the Earl is a delightful historical romance. I loved the plot and the characters. The author pulls you right into the story with her writing style. Highly recommend this book.