Intriguing!

The Lady Brewer of London by Karen Brooks    

*****

The struggles of a young woman who must try to forge a new way of life when her wealthy merchant father's ship is lost. 

1405 and Anneke Sheldrake finds herself destitute, the house and livelihood she took for granted gone. How to provide for her family and restore their fortunes?

Her mother's people had been Brewers from Flanders. With the help of her recipe book (and the crones who whisper in the brewing commencement) Anneke forges ahead to be come a female brewer. Her successes has her come under siege from rivals, and her father's aristocratic employer,  with whom she'd struck a deal in her endeavours to come around. Their are deep secrets at play here.

This wonderful medieval story set in the latter days of King Henry IV has everything. Women clawing their way back from tragedy, unlooked for alliances, acceptance and prejudices, and fighting authorities. Compassion and weaknesses are turned into strengths and love.

The Author's Note provides an illuminating explanation of the ale brewing and beer making of the times, and the customs and legalities during Henry Bolingbroke's time.

A fascinating read that incorporates glimpses into medieval life and the struggles of women looking for independence.

A HarperCollins ARC via NetGalley