Plot Summary
Shattered Hopes, Spilled Beer
Kat's world is upended by a text from her ex announcing he's having a baby with someone else, reigniting old wounds. At Resistance Brewpub, her emotional turmoil spills over—literally—when she accidentally flings her phone, dousing a stranger in beer. Embarrassed and on edge, Kat's support system at the pub rallies around her, but the incident is a stark reminder of her stalled dreams and mounting debt. The pub, her sanctuary, is the only place she feels she belongs, but even here, she's haunted by the feeling that life is passing her by. The day's chaos foreshadows deeper changes ahead, as Kat clings to the hope that something—anything—will finally go right.
Resistance Family, Breaking News
During a staff meeting, Kat and her coworkers learn that Joe, the beloved co-owner and brewmaster, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The pub, a found family for many, is being sold so Joe and Prairie can focus on his health. The announcement shatters the crew's sense of security and belonging. Kat, who has been apprenticing as a brewer, feels her future slipping away. The staff's offers to help are heartfelt but futile; the decision is final. The news forces Kat to confront her own fears of abandonment and the fragility of the community she's come to rely on, setting the stage for upheaval and transformation.
Brewing Dreams, Brewing Change
As Kat processes the impending sale, she reflects on her journey from server to aspiring brewer. Brewing with Joe gave her purpose and a sense of creation, but now, with the pub's future uncertain, her dreams feel threatened. The Resistance crew is a patchwork family, each member facing their own struggles—chronic illness, financial instability, and personal loss. Kat's relationship with her chronically ill sister, Karrie, underscores her feelings of invisibility and longing for recognition. The chapter explores the bittersweet nature of ambition: the joy of finding a calling, and the pain of watching it slip away just as it comes into focus.
New Boss, Old Wounds
The pub's sale introduces Ryan, the investor's son, as the new manager. Kat's first encounters with him are awkward and charged—he's the man she accidentally soaked with beer, now her boss. Ryan's lack of experience and outsider status unsettle the crew, especially Kat, who feels overlooked and undervalued. The staff's skepticism is palpable, and Kat's resentment simmers as she realizes her brewing apprenticeship may be in jeopardy. The chapter delves into the tension between old and new, the fear of change, and the challenge of trusting someone who seems to have everything handed to him.
Ambition Meets Adversity
Determined to secure a brewing position, Kat grapples with imposter syndrome and the reality that her experience may not be enough. Ryan's insistence on formal qualifications and his plans to "modernize" the pub clash with the crew's values. Kat's frustration grows as she's repeatedly sidelined, her contributions minimized. The Resistance's unique culture—its inclusivity, community focus, and quirky traditions—feels threatened by Ryan's corporate mindset. Kat's internal struggle intensifies: should she fight for her place, adapt to the new regime, or seek fulfillment elsewhere? The emotional stakes rise as her sense of belonging is tested.
Clashing Visions, Clashing Hearts
As Ryan implements changes—new uniforms, sports TVs, and mainstream beers—the pub's identity shifts, alienating regulars and staff alike. Kat and Ryan butt heads over everything from music to management style, their arguments charged with unspoken attraction and mutual misunderstanding. Both are haunted by family expectations and past disappointments: Kat by her parents' focus on her sister's illness, Ryan by the loss of his brother and his father's shadow. Their professional clashes mirror their personal insecurities, setting the stage for a complicated, slow-burn connection.
Brewing Up Tension
Forced to collaborate on events and promotions, Kat and Ryan begin to see each other's strengths. Kat's deep knowledge of the pub's culture and brewing process complements Ryan's business acumen. As they spend more time together—inside and outside the pub—their antagonism softens into respect and attraction. Vulnerabilities are shared: Ryan opens up about his brother's death and family pressures; Kat reveals her struggles with debt, self-worth, and feeling overlooked. Their growing intimacy is fraught with uncertainty, as both fear repeating old patterns and losing themselves in the process.
Setbacks and Second Chances
Kat is passed over for the brewing job in favor of more "qualified" candidates, a decision influenced by Ryan's father and the new head brewer, Kurt. The betrayal stings, but Kat channels her disappointment into self-improvement, enrolling in brewing workshops and connecting with other women in the industry. Meanwhile, the pub faces operational crises—bad batches, equipment failures, and staff turnover. Kat's resilience and adaptability shine as she supports her friends and keeps the spirit of Resistance alive. The chapter explores the pain of rejection, the importance of self-advocacy, and the hope that comes from forging new paths.
Family Ties, Family Trials
A visit from her sister Karrie and a difficult conversation with her mother force Kat to reckon with old wounds: the ways she's been overlooked, the guilt of not being "the sick one," and the burden of always making things easier for others. Her mother's apology and acknowledgment of past mistakes offer a measure of healing, but Kat realizes she must define her own worth, independent of family roles. The chapter highlights the complexity of sibling dynamics, the impact of chronic illness on families, and the necessity of self-forgiveness.
Letting Go, Moving Forward
As Resistance's future hangs in the balance, Kat faces a crossroads: stay in a place that no longer values her, or leap into the unknown. Encouraged by friends and mentors, she accepts a job offer at a new, women-owned brewery—Myth and Muse—leaving behind the pub and people who shaped her. The move is bittersweet, marked by grief, gratitude, and hope. Kat's decision is an act of self-assertion, a declaration that her dreams matter. The chapter captures the pain and liberation of letting go, and the promise of reinvention.
New Beginnings, New Brews
At Myth and Muse, Kat is welcomed as a collaborator and creator. The work is hard, the hours long, but the sense of ownership and belonging is profound. Surrounded by supportive women and a vibrant community, Kat's confidence grows. She experiments with new recipes, mentors others, and helps shape the brewery's identity. The experience is both a culmination of her journey and a fresh start, affirming that fulfillment comes from pursuing one's passion, even when the path is uncertain. The chapter celebrates resilience, creativity, and the joy of starting over.
Bittersweet Success, Bittersweet Love
Ryan's efforts to buy out his father and secure Resistance's future are met with repeated setbacks. The strain exposes the fault lines in his relationship with Kat, as trust issues and differing priorities come to a head. Both must confront what they truly want: Kat, the freedom to grow without compromise; Ryan, the courage to step out of his father's shadow. Their breakup is painful but necessary, a recognition that love alone cannot bridge fundamental differences. The chapter explores the cost of ambition, the limits of loyalty, and the bittersweet nature of success.
The Heartbeat of Change
As Kat thrives at Myth and Muse, Resistance undergoes its own rebirth under new ownership—Nesto and Aaron, former food truck partners, take the helm, preserving the pub's legacy while embracing change. Ryan, humbled and changed by loss, finds a new calling helping small businesses. A reunion at Myth and Muse brings old friends together, offering closure and the possibility of renewed connection. Kat and Ryan's paths cross again, their chemistry undiminished but tempered by hard-won wisdom. The chapter affirms that change, though painful, is the heartbeat of growth.
Trust, Betrayal, and Truth
The fallout from their breakup forces both to examine their patterns: Kat's tendency to shrink herself for others, Ryan's habit of seeking validation through achievement. Honest conversations with friends and family help them see their blind spots and the ways they've sabotaged themselves and each other. Forgiveness—of self and others—emerges as a central theme. The chapter is a reckoning with the past, a clearing of old wounds, and a commitment to living authentically, even when it means risking heartbreak.
Breaking the Mold
At Myth and Muse, Kat creates a new beer—an extra-special bitter that isn't for everyone, but is unapologetically hers. The act is symbolic: she no longer seeks universal approval, but values authenticity and self-expression. The brewery's opening is a triumph, a testament to the power of women supporting women and the importance of carving out space for oneself. Kat's journey is no longer about proving her worth to others, but about honoring her own desires and talents. The chapter is a celebration of individuality, risk-taking, and the courage to break free from expectations.
Choosing Yourself
Through therapy, friendship, and hard work, Kat sheds the need to be everything for everyone. She sets boundaries with her family, supports her sister's independence, and lets go of guilt. Her relationship with Ryan, once defined by longing and compromise, becomes a source of mutual respect and possibility. The chapter underscores the importance of self-care, the value of chosen family, and the necessity of choosing oneself—not out of selfishness, but as an act of self-love.
Full Circle, Fresh Start
At Myth and Muse's grand opening, Kat is surrounded by friends, family, and former colleagues. Ryan arrives with news: Resistance is in good hands, and he's found his own path helping others build their dreams. Their reunion is tender and honest, marked by apologies, gratitude, and the recognition that they are both better for having known—and let go of—each other. The story ends with the possibility of renewed love, grounded in mutual growth and respect. Kat's journey comes full circle, but she is forever changed, ready for whatever comes next.
Characters
Kat Malone
Kat is the heart of the story—a witty, self-deprecating woman in her late twenties, burdened by debt, family expectations, and the scars of a recent breakup. Her journey is one of self-discovery: from overlooked server to aspiring brewer, from caretaker to self-advocate. Kat's relationships—with her chronically ill sister, her found family at Resistance, and her complicated romance with Ryan—reveal her deep need for validation and connection. Psychologically, she struggles with imposter syndrome and a tendency to shrink herself for others, but her resilience and humor carry her through. By the end, Kat learns to choose herself, embracing imperfection and forging a path defined by passion, not approval.
Ryan Bennett
Ryan, the investor's son and new manager of Resistance, is initially perceived as entitled and out of touch. Beneath his polished exterior lies a man haunted by the loss of his brother, the weight of family expectations, and a gnawing sense of inadequacy. His relationship with Kat is both a source of growth and conflict, as he learns to listen, adapt, and confront his own limitations. Ryan's arc is one of humility: he moves from seeking validation through achievement to finding meaning in helping others. His vulnerability and willingness to change make him a compelling, if flawed, partner for Kat.
Prairie
Prairie, co-owner of the pub, is a mother figure to Kat and the crew. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support create a sense of home for those who feel adrift. Prairie's decision to sell the pub for Joe's health is an act of love and sacrifice, but it also exposes the limits of her ability to protect her "family." Her struggle with letting go mirrors Kat's own journey. Psychologically, Prairie embodies the tension between caretaking and self-preservation, teaching Kat that sometimes, survival means making hard choices.
Joe
Joe, the brewmaster and Prairie's partner, is a source of inspiration and guidance for Kat. His passion for brewing and his belief in Kat's potential give her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Joe's illness and eventual departure force Kat to confront the impermanence of even the most cherished relationships. His legacy is not just in the beers he created, but in the community he fostered and the lessons he imparted about resilience, creativity, and the inevitability of change.
Karrie
Karrie's chronic illness shapes the family dynamic, often leaving Kat feeling invisible and unimportant. Their relationship is fraught with guilt, resentment, and love. Karrie's eventual assertion of independence—moving out, pursuing her own goals—mirrors Kat's journey toward self-actualization. Psychologically, Karrie represents both the burden and the gift of family: a reminder that care can be both confining and liberating.
Alex
Alex, a trans man and longtime server at Resistance, is Kat's confidant and emotional anchor. His own struggles with depression, family acceptance, and career uncertainty parallel Kat's, offering mutual support and tough love. Alex's decision to leave Resistance for new opportunities underscores the theme of necessary change and the bittersweet nature of growth. He embodies the importance of chosen family and the courage to pursue happiness.
Magda
Magda, a bartender with a tough exterior and a soft heart, is a stabilizing force at Resistance. Her struggles—her husband's illness, financial stress—are often hidden beneath bravado, but her loyalty to the crew is unwavering. Magda's journey is one of quiet endurance, teaching Kat the value of vulnerability and the strength found in community.
Luiz
Luiz, a server and event organizer, is the glue that holds the Resistance crew together. His deep ties to the neighborhood and his ability to bridge cultures make him indispensable. Luiz's eventual move to help launch a new restaurant reflects the story's theme of embracing change and supporting others' dreams. He represents the power of collaboration and the importance of giving back.
Kurt
Kurt, hired as the new head brewer, is both a mentor and an obstacle for Kat. His resistance to change and preference for hiring "his own team" highlight the barriers women and outsiders face in male-dominated industries. Kurt's presence forces Kat to confront the limits of her patience and the necessity of advocating for herself. Psychologically, he embodies the tension between tradition and innovation.
Jana
Jana, a brewer Kat meets at a workshop, becomes a friend and role model. Her partnership with Claudette and their creation of Myth and Muse offer Kat a vision of what's possible when women support each other and claim their space. Jana's directness and encouragement help Kat break free from self-doubt and pursue her own path. She represents the promise of reinvention and the rewards of risk-taking.
Plot Devices
Found Family and Community
Resistance Brewpub is more than a workplace—it's a chosen family for Kat and her coworkers, each seeking belonging and acceptance. The pub's sale and the loss of its founders force the crew to confront the fragility of community and the necessity of adaptation. This device grounds the story's emotional stakes, making every change feel personal and every loss a collective wound.
Parallel Journeys and Mirrored Growth
Both protagonists are haunted by family expectations, past disappointments, and the fear of not being enough. Their professional and romantic conflicts mirror their internal struggles, creating a dynamic interplay of attraction, rivalry, and mutual healing. The narrative structure alternates between their perspectives, using foreshadowing and callbacks to highlight their intertwined growth.
Brewing as Metaphor
Brewing is both a literal and figurative process: it requires patience, experimentation, and the willingness to embrace failure. Kat's journey from server to brewer parallels her journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance. The evolution of Resistance's beers—and the creation of new recipes at Myth and Muse—serves as a metaphor for personal and communal change.
Foreshadowing and Cyclical Structure
The story uses recurring motifs—spilled beer, broken plans, family illness, and the act of letting go—to foreshadow future developments and reinforce themes. The narrative comes full circle: Kat begins and ends in a new place, changed by her experiences but still herself. The cyclical structure emphasizes that growth is ongoing, and every ending is a new beginning.
Gender, Power, and Gatekeeping
Kat's struggle to be recognized as a brewer, despite her talent and dedication, highlights systemic biases and the importance of mentorship and solidarity among women. The plot device of being passed over for less-qualified men is used to critique industry norms and to motivate Kat's eventual leap to Myth and Muse, where she can thrive.
Analysis
I've Got My Mind Set on Brew is a contemporary, character-driven novel that uses the world of craft beer as a lens to explore themes of ambition, belonging, and self-actualization. At its core, the book is about the search for home—both literal and metaphorical—and the courage it takes to claim one's place in a world that often overlooks or undervalues women, outsiders, and dreamers. Stephanie Jayne deftly weaves together the personal and the professional, showing how our work, relationships, and communities shape who we become. The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of found family, the bittersweet nature of change, and the necessity of letting go in order to grow. Through Kat's journey—from overlooked server to confident brewer, from caretaker to self-advocate—the story affirms that happiness is not a destination, but a process: a series of choices, risks, and reinventions. The lessons are clear: trust yourself, embrace imperfection, and never be afraid to start over. In a world obsessed with achievement and certainty, Brew is a celebration of resilience, community, and the messy, beautiful art of becoming.
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