As the summer travel season begins, it always makes me think of one of my favorite places to visit: Great Smoky Mountain National Park. And it just so happens that one of my favorite book series takes place in “Green Valley,” the fictional town nestled right next to the GSMNP. The Winston Brothers series by Penny Reid is a must-read for lovers of small-town romances with lots of laughs. Penny describes her series as featuring “six bearded Winston brothers” who “have been imbued with an unfair share of charm and charisma . . . and are prone to mischief.” Mischief might be an understatement. The series is currently being re-released, and the first book is Truth or Beard. 

The third book, Beard Science, features Cletus Winston (don’t let his name turn you off), who might be an evil mastermind for good. I’ve never met another character like him, and his romance with the astute “Banana Cake Queen” is a ten-star (out of five) read. The audiobooks are expertly narrated by Joy Nash and Chris Brinkley.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet Penny at multiple book festivals and had the great opportunity to also meet Blythe Russo, who designed the Winston Family Paper Dolls. Penny is next-level smart and lovely. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to her discuss her writing process and inspirations.   

One of Penny’s most recent publications is “Bananapants” – no relation to the Banana Cake Queen, but her books sometimes feature cameos from her other books and series. This book has very good mental health representation, and it has really resonated with her readers.  As a result, Penny has made this book free at all eBook retailers. Penny is just another level of awesomeness, and I would encourage you to give her books a try. I would also note that she is going on tour this summer, and I’m hopeful that she will come nearby.   

All the reads are Level 3 spice (on a scale of 1-5).

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