Santo Innis is developing a revolutionary engine to counter the effects of high- pressure steam. His backer is Richard Vaughan, heir to Frederick Tregarron, owner of the Gillyvean estate. His world is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival at Gillyvean of Melanie Tregarron, Frederick's illegitimate youngest daughter. Desperate to prove the viability of his invention, Santo persuades Richard to let him fit one at Gillyvean's brewhouse. But when Bronnen Jewell arrives to brew the harvest beer she's horrified, fearing her loss of income on which she depends. As the lives of these four become entwined all four face the future with fear and trepidation.
A professional writer for over 30 years, Jane Jackson has had 27 books published with world-wide sales topping ten million. Shortlisted twice for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award, she has also taught the craft of Novel Writing at every level from Writers’ summer schoolsand Ad Ed to the MA in Professional Writing at University College Falmouth. Eight of her students are now (traditionally, not self-) published novelists.
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review. This was such an awesome read. I have never read Ms. Jackson's books before, but now I am definitely making a plan to add them to my TBR list and read more. If this book was any indication, I will love to read more from her pen. The plot, the characters, every scene, even the topic was masterly crafted into the 1830's period. When all technology was relatively new, and many were skeptical of any new changes. Because of this skepticism many lives were lost. It took courages men to stand up and fight for what they believed was the right thing to do, that changed the minds of the people. We get to know four people, Bronnen, Melanie, Santo and Richard. Each battling with their own fears, turmoil and mistakes as the story unfolds. But I must say that I was really impressed with the two women's strong characters, facing obstacles, standing their ground as they tried to come to grips with who they were, accepting themselves and moving on. Despite what people might say or men treated them they stayed true to themselves, giving themselves only to the men that really mattered. They were stubborn, willing to proof themselves, gifted and not afraid to work hard at their respective crafts. The one very talented with her sketchpad and pencil always at hand; for the other, to make the perfect beer, learned from her mother when she was still very young. A beautiful and supportive friendship formed between them, with their lives so much a like, even though it seemed they were worlds apart. A fast paced gripping story that was told with so much emotion that takes you on a wonderful journey as you enjoy the wonder of a great historic romance. Experiencing the pain and laughter with these four made the book believable and the story realistic. A great asset for any bookshelf or Kindle.
This was certainly different than any book I had ever read, and I whole-heartedly give it a 3.5 rating. I so appreciate the love portion of the book, and it is clear the author is extremely well-spoken. Indeed this was the first book I had ever read about a brewery business, and that made it rather unique and sometimes intriguing.
There are no bedroom scenes, and the profanity is extremely minimal. For that, I am extremely grateful. Along the way, the author does inject a mysterious tidbit or two. However, I have to admit that I never could quite comprehend the charm of a brewery business. If the book had a different setting, I had a feeling I may have relished the book a bit more. I struggled to connect with the characters, although I found them likable enough. For someone who wants a change of pace, this may be just the book for which you seek. If given the chance, I would definitely read another book from this author (especially if the setting were a bit more familiar).
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.