Beard in Mind

Not my favorite of the Winston Brothers series but it was okay. For Beau supposedly being the fun, easy-going brother, I didn't get that from him in this book. More often than not, he was grumpy and angry. There were a few appearances from the other Winston family members but this book lacked the charming family feel of the other books.

[b:Beard in Mind 30315673 Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers, #4) Penny Reid https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498809537l/30315673.SY75.jpg 50803814]There is something very unique about a book that asks you to acknowledge that you are wrong, and then strives to educate you as to why. There are a multitude of misconceptions flying around the central issues in Beard in Mind and the characters within. The word I would use to describe this book would be illuminating.As a fan of Penny Reid and the Winston Brothers series I thought I knew Shelly Sullivan. I thought I understood her surly disposition and her indifferent ways. I really thought I knew Beau Winston—the charming flirt with a strong family support system. I was content in the idea of their story because I thought I knew where everything was going. But I was wrong. In typical Penny Reid fashion, there is no formula. There is no standard trope, and there are a few curveballs thrown along the way.Throughout the story we get to know the real Beau Winston and the real Shelly Sullivan. And these are some of the most complex characters that Reid has written. We learn about the inner turmoil faced by both main characters. Beau—the face of the easy-going twin whose charm is likened to a habit formed and solidified over time. Shelly—the woman so consumed with fear that her outward appearance reflects none of her emotions.We are also shown the unexpected inner desires of these characters and that is where the relationship begins to form. It's how these two can move past the antagonism and conflict to form a lasting bond and partnership. Beau is ready for commitment after seeing the transformation of his siblings and their significant others. Shelly is similarly motivated by her family. She is desperate to confront her fears and anxiety head-on in order to play a more prominent role in the lives of her loved ones.Beau and Shelly not only surprise the reader, but they surprise each other, too.Penny weaves her unique storytelling in a way that makes these characters known. It's obvious and imperative that she explain Shelly's struggle and behavior. That she corrects assumptions and generalizations about Shelly's actions. Beau goes from a simple character with a singular focus to a layered and complicated individual.I loved this book for the characters and the journey they take. I loved the way Beau and Shelly come together and find their way. I often say that each book I read adds something to my life and this one is no different. I wanted to see Beau find his happiness just like the rest of the boys and I was not disappointed this is uniquely his and its beautiful.

If you're reading/listening to this series (you definitely should) this is a must. It parallels the events in [b:Beard Science 23337872 Beard Science (Winston Brothers, #3) Penny Reid https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1412692519l/23337872.SY75.jpg 42897371] but from the viewpoint of Beau Winston and what's going on with him, his own story. I'm almost reticent to call this a romance, though there is a romance, because IMO it's mostly or more specifically Beau's trajectory of finding his path after four of his siblings, including his twin Duane, are heading on their own HEA. I think the author, via her narrative choice validates my opinion. I'd say 70% of the book is told from Beau's POV. Not a complaint. Visiting Green Valley and more importantly the Winston clan is an unalloyed pleasure. The love and camaraderie is vibrant, palpable, and true. In this installment they deal with growing pains, some revelations, couples from previous books, including from Knitting in the City, show up and ad texture to this world. The romance you ask? It's sweet and heartfelt. Shelly is a brilliant mechanic, an artist, and someone whose been living with OCD that can at times be crippling. Luckily she's taking strides to help herself and she meets Beau Winston.

The glimpses I got of this story while reading Beard Science made me curious. Shelly is another of Penny Reid's unusual heroines, and everyone could use a hero like Beau in their corner.
This book made me fall in love with the Winston clan even more, and I'm looking forward to reading the stories yet to come.