22 Comments
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Leanne Shawler's avatar

Oooh. Bet it was the new guy’s fault, except Penelope will be blaming herself for it …

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Stephanie Sweeney's avatar

I love this idea, has a cozy Alice Hoffman vibe.

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you so much!

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Josh Louis's avatar

Oh no, not the lager!

This is such a fun take on the small-town craft brewery. Back where I'm from (a small town in upstate New York), that was just about the only thing to do, so I'm really drawn to this kind of story.

It's also maddening to feel that pull toward your hometown, especially when family is involved. I feel for Penelope for sure.

Thanks for sharing this; I'm looking forward to reading more!

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you so much, Josh!

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The Casual Writer's avatar

Is the happenings a reflection of her internal struggle? Does it know it's "dying out?" I have lots of quetions!

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Bridget Riley's avatar

🤐😅

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The Casual Writer's avatar

👀

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Michael S. Atkinson's avatar

Ooh, I did not expect that. Is the culprit the new guy, Penelope's anxieties, or... AUNT GRETA? (I have no idea, I'm just spitballing). I love this and can't wait for more!

(Also, if someone showed up to this place and asked for a non-alcoholic drink, say a soft drink like Sprite or Mountain Dew or what have you, would the whatever-it-is work or is that just for the stuff the Brauns make themselves? I wonder).

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Bridget Riley's avatar

I can’t comment too much on the first question, but for the second, I think this particular brewery only carries house-made beverages, both alcoholic and non. 😊

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Keith Long's avatar

Interesting story idea, I like this.

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you, Keith!

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Katharine Kapodistria's avatar

Great idea for a setting, love the writing and the atmosphere. Looking forward to part two!

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you so much, Katharine!

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Jean Marie Bauhaus's avatar

Such a cool idea!

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Jaclyn Mofid's avatar

This is such a fun concept!

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you!

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Caitriana NicNeacail's avatar

Great setup, and I was definitely NOT expecting some malevolent-looking black sludge to show up! Looking forward to part 2!

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Bridget, great opening chapter where you effortlessly set the story up by giving the history of the Brauns and Braun's Beer Garden, as well as the undesired destiny that Penelope inherited. And what a closing. Anxious to know where the black sludge will lead. - Jim

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you so much, Jim!

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Tom Barrie Simmons Author's avatar

Love it, captures the small town atmosphere and the stranger attraction extremely well.

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Thank you so much!

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