Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
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.
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.
Loved story.
