What a cute debut novel! I loved that it took place in Charleston, my hometown. I also loved the main character Magnolia and her relationship with her daughter, mom, coworkers and neighbors. I felt like I really got to know her and her life. The book consisted of some romance, a mother/daughter relationship, divorce, friendships, and second chances. For an easy read, pick up this book.

I absolutely adored this book and couldn’t put it down! I might be biased as I grew up in the south and was taught to love southern decor…chinoiserie, china, teacups, deviled egg plates, tobacco jars, oyster plates, antiques, etc. Charleston is the perfect location for this book. I can visualize the location as I read.

It’s not often that someone gets a second chance at love and much less a second chance at living but Magnolia “Mack” Bishop has been given just that. A single mom who works in housing design and decor has been given a second chance to stand up to her family (including her ex-husband’s) to set healthy boundaries and expectations about who she will be, what she will do, and what she needs.

As Mack starts her quest to redefine herself and her independence, she starts to unravel secrets and the truth about her mother’s past, her biological father, and how exactly tight knit her mom and ex-husband’s mom really are. However, she isn’t sure whether or not the new information will make her distance herself from the only family she has remaining. She only knows that she has to do what’s best for her daughter, she has to trust her new love interest, she must lean on her best friend, and she must honor a contract with a tv company to help launch her career and business in a positive trajectory.

I cannot wait to read more of Grace Helena Walz’s works. I think I’ve found my favorite new (to me) author of the year!

A cute story that has a lot of iteresting and charming characters. An HG TV lover will be a fan of this book. Humorous and entertaining!

Thank you Netgalley and author/publisher for the ARC!

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.


Southern by Design is the debut by Grace Helena Walz set in Charleston and follows a mother and daughter through a dual timeline narration.
Mack (Magnolia jr) is struggling to keep her footing after separating from her husband after he sent photos of his you-know-what to a woman in their community. Her mother, Magnolia Sr., is a thorn in her side - controlling, overbearing, and unsupportive. When Macks shot at the Historic Preservation Design Fellowship is pulled out from under her feet, Magnolia jumps at the chance to have her daughter back under her thumb working for her.
When Macks one-that-got-away, moves in next door to her it throws her into a spin- he was the summer romance she's never forgotten who left to follow his own dreams fifteen years earlier and whom left her heartbroken - and now he's back and moved in right next door!
This was a fun read perfect for spring and summer. Although the dual timeline did get a little repetitive, I enjoyed the characters and storyline enough to push that aside.

This had the potential to be an amazing book but it fell a little short for me.

I liked Magnolia "Mack" Bishop's character but I didn't love her. The dynamic with her mom and ex husband was a bit much for me. I don't think the scene with Randy forgetting their daughter were really necessary. It could have simply been one or two sentence about having to take her to work with her again or needing Lincoln to have her over.

I did like the relationship between Lincoln and Mack. This was probably my favorite part of the story.

I am sure Southern by Design will be a 5 star read for so many. It just wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed Southern By Design—it’s a delightful, heartwarming read with a perfect mix of humor, romance, and personal growth. Mack is such a relatable protagonist, juggling single motherhood, a career setback, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother. I admired her determination to rebuild her career, especially when she pitched the TV pilot, which added a fun twist to the story.

The tension between Mack and her mother was spot on, and I found myself rooting for Mack to take control of her own life, both personally and professionally. And then, of course, there’s Lincoln Kelly—what a great character! The rekindled romance brought a nice emotional layer to the book, and I loved seeing how they reconnected after so many years.

While the story was a bit predictable at times, the charming Southern setting and the relatable themes of family, career, and second chances kept me hooked. Overall, it was a fun, enjoyable read with lots of heart. Definitely recommend it to fans of Southern fiction!

Southern By Design is a debut novel by Grace Helena Walz. In Charleston, Mack Bishop finds herself suddenly single after her husband cheats, and then the design project she's working on becomes a disaster. Her overbearing mother steps in with a design project, her "one that got away" love moves in next door, and things suddenly change ...

I wanted to read this novel because I love southern fiction, like Charleston, and always enjoy home/design themes.

This was a wonderful debut novel! I really liked the character of Mack, the details of her work, the Charleston setting, and of course, the romance! I will look for future books by Grace Helena Walz. I recommend Southern By Design for other fans of southern women's fiction -- 5 enthusiastic stars from me!

I reviewed the audiobook version of this book, and am pasting that review here.

What does Mack do when her controlling mother goes overboard, wanting to hone in on her new business venture? Mack (i.e., Magnolia "Junior") is a restoration expert who designer who is divorcing her husband (and business partner) while working on a new project. She has a precocious daughter who adds humor to the story. Mack struggles to find balance between making her own decisions and appeasing her mother. And, to complicate things, a man from her past moves in next door. All of this adds to a very complex and fun story to read/hear. I loved the unique characters, who don't necessarily fit the usual stereotypes for this type of story. The narrator is expert at portraying their quirks.

A great listen! I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Harper Collins Focus and Net Galley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

“Sweet Magnolias meets Fixer Upper in this delightfully refreshing debut about a woman bravely chasing her dreams, building a life on her own terms, and maybe even discovering a second chance at love.”

This was charming! If you like Southern fiction with strong women, secrets, and old houses, then you should grab this. I struggled a little bit in the middle as it felt a little long, but I did enjoy the ending. Great characters and vivid setting descriptions kept me turning the pages.

What a sheer delight. Magnolia (Mack) Bishop is newly single, trying to maintain her business and care for her daughter despite her soon-to-be ex's occasional missteps. When she loses out on an important fellowship, she is more interested in a reality TV opportunity. She and her business partner, Fitz, seem to be on the right track, if she could just keep her meddling mother, Magnolia I, from interfering.

When a single dad moves in next door, Mack is shocked to discover he's the one who got away. As the two navigate this new relationship--parents of BFFs--they learn more about what drove them apart more than a decade ago.

With its Charleston setting and over-the-top characters, this novel could have been a cliche, but instead it's just good fun. Mack is a delight, as is Fitz, and even Magnolia. This is a must-read. #SouthernbyDesign #NetGalley

The "Sweet Magnolias meets Fixer Upper" was a perfect way to describe this book! I am not a big HGTV person, but I was charmed by "Southern by Design." Wa;z creates a sweet story about second chances and being true to yourself, and the characters really popped off the page! I found Mack's challenges realistic and relatable-- no "easy miscommunication" tropes here! The resolution was strong, although the book did move a little fast in the last act to tie up all the threads. It could have benefited from a slower pace there, as most of the book moved with a charming Southern drawl. As a Southerner, I found the representation of the region refreshing and honest, not overly cloying or sarcastic, as modern media can be, and I really loved the story Walz crafted!

I would recommend for fans of the Sweet Magnolia books and the movie "Sweet Home Alabama."

This debut novel captivated me with its blend of Southern charm and modern themes of resilience. Mack's journey through personal chaos to triumph struck a chord, making her struggles with single motherhood and career ambitions is relatable and inspiring. The return of a past love added emotional depth, enhancing the story of redemption and rediscovery. I found myself enchanted by the vibrant characters and the heartwarming reminder that even in tough times, dreams can be rebuilt and love can flourish.

A sweet novel about second chances.

Mack Bishop has just separated from her husband and is trying to run her design business and raise their daughter. Her overbearing mother is not helpful but does give Mack a design project that could be very lucrative.

One day, Mack sees a new family move in next door. Turns out it is her former sweetheart.

A fun novel and one that anyone who loves home improvement shows will enjoy

Southern by Design is an enjoyable debut novel that blends second-chance romance, family drama, and the charm of historic Charleston. Magnolia "Mack" Bishop is a compelling protagonist—a talented designer juggling the fallout of her failed marriage, a controlling mother, and trying her best to land a reality TV home renovation show.

Once the romantic subplot develops, the chemistry between Mack and Lincoln Kelly is delightful. Their history feels authentic, making their journey toward reconciliation all the more rewarding.

I won't give away any spoilers, but the circumstances surrounding the juicy secret getting dragged into the light felt a little heavy for me. While the dual timeline structure was probably added to enhance the second-chance romance and maybe to make the secret's revelation plausible, it didn’t always work. However, the hope of a happy ending kept me invested until the end.

Overall, Southern by Design is a strong debut filled with Southern charm, heart, and second chances. Fans of women's fiction and contemporary romance will find much to love.

A cute tory, with lots of interesting and charming characters. An HG TV lover will be a fan and a fan of Southern charm will also devour this. Humorous and entertaining!

Not since Anne Rivers Siddons and Dorothea Benton Frank have I found a writer who could channel Southern women so perfectly. Well met Grace Helena Walz. With a ton of humor and some wonderfully drawn “besties”, Magnolia “Mack” Bishop is trying hard to hold her own against a tidal wave of a mother. Throw in a little southern charm, a touch of “Fixer Upper”, a constant undercurrent of a mysterious background, a convoluted romantic situation or two and maybe a tad too much dialect, shake, stir, pour and this was just the best concoction at the perfect time.

Not perfect, just great - hoping to see more from this author. Many thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a copy

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this charming book. I enjoyed it very much and found myself comparing it to books written by Dorethea Benton Frank, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Mary Kay Andrews. I think Grace Helena Waltz could become a prominent women's fiction writer. I love anything set in the Lowcounty! Ms. Waltz's description of the homes were spot on and I felt like I was there. Basically the story focused on the character of "Mack" who is an interior designer working on classic Charleston mansions and raising her daughter. She has the opportunity to become the newest home reality star. She reunites with her first love after separating from her husband. She also has to deal with a very over bearing Mother who has kept the secret of who her father is. I will recommend this to my friends and look forward to reading future novels by Grace Helena Waltz!

I enjoyed SOUTHERN BY DESIGN, though I found it to be a slow read. By breaking the first half of the book into two timelines I found it heard to engage in the real story. Mack (aka Magnolia Bishop) is a talented interior designer but suffers by being under the heavy thumb of an oppressive, domineering, almost abusive mother who wants only to control every aspect of her daughter’s live. This even includes attempting to orchestrate who Mack is married to. Her choice has always been Grady, the son of her best friend. When Mack’s marriage to Grady ends in disaster, mom attempts to finagle a way to bring them back together.

Mack’s way out is a new TV design show that is looking for a host. She puts every bit of energy and time she can spare into auditioning for a place on the “Exquisite Interiors” reality show. Along the way she has to deal with her daughter’s absentee father as well as the return of a summer romance from her younger days. (This romance figures prominently in the second, earlier timeline.)

Perhaps it was only my issue with the dual timeline. When coupled with the multiple threads in the story, it was difficult for me to engage as completely as I would have liked. As a result, I can only give this book a three star rating.

I appreciate NetGalley as well as the publisher and author for granting me the opportunity to read this book and offer my free and honest review.

I was really looking forward to this one, and I flipped between reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a good job.

The author, in my opinion, took on too many plot ideas to be able to carry them to conclusion. If the ideas could have been narrowed to only a couple, or three at most, this probably would be a super debut, but there was just too much to deal with. The cover was gorgeous, the setting perfect, but I think the book could have benefited from some tight editing and a red pencil. The idea of a southern single mother with a design business trying to get out from under her mother’s influence, starting a home-improvement show, trying to find out the truth about her family, and reconnecting with an old boyfriend was a lot! I’m hoping the author keeps writing, and I’ll look for the next book.

Three stars!

“ Southern by Design’ by Grace Helena Walz is a fresh, fun read. Set in Charles, Mack “Magnolia “ is trying to recover from a bad divorce & controlling Mother. Coming from society royally of Beaufort SC, Mack wants to be recognized as a top interior designer. Given an opportunity to be on TV show, Mack and her team go head on remodeling a run down historic home. From Fitz, her colleague, to her precious daughter and difficult mother, the dialogue is fun & snappy. The book has a twist of fate too. Life is never fully as it seems. If you like Mary Kay Andrews, this book will be up your alley!!! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Publishing for this advance read.