Beard Necessities

This is the way you end a series. Billy's book may be last but by no means does it have any less of an emotional impact as all the other books. Billy and Claire have both gone through so much of an emotional roller coaster and fight so hard to get past each obstacle that appears before them with every part of their being. It makes the finish line so much more satisfying to see when Billy and Claire have to fight so hard and almost give up in their journey to find happiness and closure in their lives. It is so good to see their journey guided by their family and friends. It is definitely a bittersweet feeling to see it all end, but you know that for these characters the journey will continue on in some way that keeps you tied to them for life.

Through all of the Winston Brothers series books Billy has remained elusive and quiet. We knew bits and pieces of his story and his time with Scarlet. He has sacrificed for his family, carried anger and been a rescuer. Scarlet has been in his heart but we never had the whole story or from Scarlet’s perspective. This was a beautifully written story with all the siblings doing their best to bring joy to their brother. A must read that makes me want to read this Penny Reid series all over again. 5 stars for this author.

I discovered Penny Reid and The Winston Brothers with Beauty and the Mustache which is actually from her Knitting in the Clty Series. I became an instant fan of Penny’s writing. I’ve been reading about Billy and Scarlet/Claire throughout 8 books. I’ve become invested not only in them reaching their HEA but the entire family. Penny has a way of slowly reveiling pieces of the puzzle of each reiationship that keeps you interested and begging for more. Her characters and vocabulary are unique. I would not recommend starting with this book. Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with Beauty and the Mustache and proceed to read the Winston Brothers series in order. You will fall in love with this family and Miss Reid’s writing.

I am going to admit, I was apprehensive when I saw this book on my Kindle. I knew it was Billy and Scarlet's story and I was excited to finally read it.  But I was also sad because I knew that this was the end....the bittersweet end of the Winston Brothers novels... Reading Scarlet and Billy's story was like coming home again.  Being welcomed into the amazing Winston family.  Whether it was it Green Valley, Tuscany, Italy or Nashville.  This story truly shows the meaning of your home is where your heart is. It's not the bricks and wood that make up a cabin or a house.  It's the people, it's the love and that's everything. The years of miscommunication, misunderstandings and secrets between Scarlet and Billy were just too many to count.  The love that had simmered between these two was beyond amazing.  A true testament to the writing genius of Ms. Reid is that even with the years separating and the anger and frustration between Scarlet and Billy, it had to be that way to make their beautiful happy ending just so much more brilliant. I will admit when I finished reading this final story of the Winston Brothers (and sister, because Ashley is a force to be reckoned with), I got a bit weepy, a bit nostalgic and then I smiled when I realized, I didn't have to say goodbye forever.  I could pick up Truth or Beard and start the magical journey all over again! Thank you, Ms. Reid, for creating this world and this family and letting your readers be a part of it!