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.

I started this reading this book and finished it in audio and have to say I preferred it in audio as it moved faster. Magnolia "Mack" Bishop is a single mom of a precocious girl. Her ex-husband is now her ex after he sent a picture of his privates to another woman and it was shared with the moms of the area. They were partners and now he quit after the project they had been working on has one problem after another she watches the Fellowship slip away but at least he has left. Now she needs to find another project. In steps her mother, the original Magnolia Bishop. She comes with a historical home that needs repairs. At the same time, Mack is approached with a proposal for a television program on home renovation. But wait, there's more. There is a new neighbor moving in and he looks familiar. He happens to be her old boyfriend from 15 years ago. This story was told in past and present time and, at times, was choppy but I am confident this author will find her footing. This was a great debut novel and I will definitely read her next one.

A perfect example (at least to me) of when dual timelines detract from, rather than enhance a book.
Partially I think, because even with the dual timelines Mack and Lincoln lacked chemistry. I kept wanting to just jump past the flashback chapters.
In the current timeline, they didn’t seem to be much more than friends at best. I mean he was good with the kids and that was about it.
And of course Magnolia was the over the top, Cruella De Ville style mother. I could see her kicking puppies the whole book.
The best parts were of Mack and Fitz along with the filming and renovations. I could have used more of that.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! Perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan, it delivers southern drama, home remodels, all the family drama and throw in some swoon-worthy romance. PERFECTION! What more could you ask for? This is my first book by Grace Helena Waltz and it will not be my last. Her style of writing just puts you right there in your mind, with her wonderful descriptions you could picture everything so clearly. Magnolia Bishop is the main female character and her story of going through a divorce and all the emotions involved. This story flashbacks between present day and to 15 years back in the past. The cast of characters is outstanding, you will love them all!

This book was well written, flowed easily, and was honestly just a pleasure to read. The characters were great and the storyline was very well conceived. I didn’t predict where the story was going to go, but I loved how it all fit together at the end. Kudos to this author on a great debut and I’ll be looking for her next book! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The plot left me intrigued and interested but I'm sad to say it didn't deliver my expectations. The dual timeline was confusing at times and I felt like it was unnecessary at times. I loved that it was clean and kept it sweet. I would recommend this book to those looking for a clean, easy, simple read if you don't mind a bit confusing plot and the chemistry was okay. thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc

Unfortunately this book did not hold my interest. I may give it another shot at a later date, Oh well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I love a good women's novel set in Charleston, it's always fun to look for the places you know!
Southern by Design is a pleasant read about Magnolia (aka Mack) as she tries to keep her professional life in design on track while she struggles with her personal life.

I enjoyed my time with this story and of course the setting. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Southern by Design in exchange for an honest review. This book is available now.

I felt like this was a good start for a debut author. It was a cute story, that has been before with the fixer upper content while taking place in Charleston SC, so some good content on the historical houses as well as southern traditions. But, I found the writing to be rushed, while giving too much information on non essential things, and not enough on the characters. In my opinion, it was similar to having a conversation with someone who talks too quickly and doesn't take time to take a breath.

As someone who watches HGTV, I was very intrigued by the premise, but finished the book feeling underwhelmed. Charleston is an amazing southern city and the author missed the mark with the description. There are too many events that are rushed and underdeveloped. Better pacing, and character development would make a big difference. I still enjoyed the home renovation and family dynamic aspect of the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This wonderfully written story had all the things I love, the deep south, family drama, the one that got away romance and interior decorating. A fun and charming read that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of the power of love and finding yourself. This is an entertaining page turner that does not disappoint.

I totally see the resemblance 'Southern by Design' has to the community of Serenity in Sweet Magnolias and the house restoration in Fixer Upper. The story jumps quickly into some intense circumstances, which provides immediate intrigue to the reader. I found Mack's tension with her overbearing mother and slimy ex-husband stressful. I did not choose to continue with the book. However, for those not stressed by those relationships, I see the plot having potential.

This story has plenty of southern charm set in Charleston, SC. It also includes juicy family drama, a second-chance romance with her lost, teenage love, and a mystery surrounding the identity of Mack's father.

Magnolia “Mack” Bishop is navigating a lot—her divorce, her career as an interior designer, raising her daughter, and dealing with a very complicated relationship with her mother. Southern traditions, social politics, and old money expectations weigh heavily on her, but Mack is determined to live life her terms. And just when she’s starting to find her footing, her first love moves in next door—also a single parent.

The story is told in going back 15 years to let us know what is going on then and now.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and I really liked the characters. Mack's mom, Magnolia goes through a transformation throughout the novel.

A good debut novel by Grace Walz. Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

What a delightful debut. Set in Charleston, we follow an interior designer, Mack (Magnolia), as she uncovers her mysterious past and her “love on pause” while going through a divorce and having the career chance of a lifetime. Her life so far has been dictated by her mother and high society, but her passion for design and the love for her daughter has carved her out of their hold on her.

This was highly readable, if at times formulaic, but being a debut it worked well. I could almost feel the Charleston heat on my skin while reading it. It’s also refreshing - like iced tea on a hot, summer’s day (sorry, I want to be in Charleston now!) - to read a romance from the perspective of a woman in her late thirties. The romance had me giddy, and the mystery of Mack’s parentage, plus the excitement of a reality home show were interesting elements. The writing was much better than any episode of ‘Sweet Magnolias’ let me tell you. I’ll definitely read from this author again.

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for feedback.
What a beautiful cover, who can resist a great cover, and that the book is set in Charleston! This debut novel reminds me of a cross between Fixer Upper and Designing Women. Magnolia "Mack", newly divorced and a single mother" is trying to kickstart her own career without her mother's influence. She is charged with restoring an old historical house in Charleston, and hopes to make her mother proud.
Meanwhile, an old flame moves back to town. Lincoln broke her heart when he left town over 15 years prior, but Mack soon learns the real reasons he left. Will they be able to rekindle their love?
There are other secrets to come to light, secrets that separated mother and daughter and best friends. Some relationships can be repaired while others cannot.
The book is told through two timelines - when Mack was younger and present day. Great debut!

Southern by Design is a heartfelt and beautifully written story that pulls you right into the charm of the South. Magnolia Mack Bishop is a protagonist you can’t help but root for her journey of resilience, motherhood, and self-discovery is both inspiring and deeply emotional. The author does an amazing job of bringing Charleston to life, making the setting feel just as important as the characters. If you love stories with strong character development, family drama, and a touch of Southern charm, this one is definitely worth reading!

Thank you netgalley for this amazing book.

3.5/5

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse for my review copy. These are my thoughts:

This was a charming southern, small town story.

Magnolia “Mack” just wants to make it “big” on her own. She comes from a privileged family and has a very meddling mother - and namesake - Magnolia “senior”.

This was not what I was expecting but I quite liked the twist on the second chance - Mack gets a second chance at love after her divorce and also to mend or redefine her relationship with her mother. Magnolia senior was insufferable for most of the book but I enjoyed her “redemption arc”.

I did not see the plot twist towards the end coming and was not expecting the added drama from the way it was handled - Magnolia “senior” at her best!

I enjoyed the charm of the Southern/Charleston setting and the description of the historical buildings.

[Spice level: closed door/kisses only]