Was a bit of a slow start but turned out to be fantastic! What a great story of family drama and sometimes how secrets aren’t worth keeping. You won’t be disappointed!

In Southern by Design, Mack (NOT Magnolia, thank you very much) has divorced her now-ex-husband Grady, but they are still working together to try to get a Historic Preservation Design Fellowship through their renovation of a classic Charleston home. When that tour goes wrong and they lose out on the fellowship, Grady decides to leave their firm - not that it sounds like it was too much of a loss though honestly except with the lackluster way that he treats their daughter Hallie. When Magnolia, Mack's mother, gets her another opportunity at a large renovation project, Mack takes it, though she does have some hesitations over the amount of control her mother wants. If that all isn't enough, her new next door neighbor is the man that she met and fell in love with one summer fifteen years ago. Lincoln's back from New York with his son Foster who, of course, becomes Hallie's best friend.

I enjoyed this book! There's a bit of romance but no real spice. I liked the switching between two timelines as well, though I know some don't enjoy that, so just know you get both the present day story and the 15 years ago history. The plot of redoing homes in Charleston resonates with me since I live in the area and enjoy watching these home flip shows just as much as the next woman. The historic homes in this area are gorgeous and I think the author did a pretty good job of capturing some of that magic (though maybe not as much as a Dorothea Benton Frank or a Mary Alice Monroe). I didn't totally see some of the twists at the end and thought they were interesting. Overall, I'd recommend this book to someone that likes the history of old homes with a little family drama and a sprinkle of romance on the side.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Harper Muse and Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. Too sweet, too cliched




Ababababa ababababbabababa ababa babab

Solid 4/5.

Enjoyable read! Great characters all around (loved Hallie!) and loved watching the characters grow over time. It was refreshing that the story didn't focus so much on the normal tropes of a divorce.

Highly recommend!

This debut novel by Grace Helena Walz oozes southern charm. Set in Charleston, SC, SOUTHERN BY DESIGN transports the reader to this vibrant, historic city.

The book has a little bit of everything: a second chance romance, a strained mother-daughter relationship, a soon-to-be divorcee navigating single parenthood, an unexpected redemption arc, and a design based reality tv show. Somehow it’s just right and never too much.

I alternated between the print and audio versions and both delivered. Not once during the reading of or listening to this book did I ever forget it was taking place in the Deep South. There were references to old money, debutante balls, and polite society juxtaposed against the pursuit of dreams and relationships that challenged tradition.

Magnolia “Mack” Bishop is a fully nuanced character. Even as an adult she is torn between seeking her mother’s approval and following her own heart. I was rooting for her to find her voice and her happiness.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperColins Focus, Harper Muse for the advance copies in exchange for my unbiased review.

If you like reading southern fiction as I do, you will enjoy this one, It has a bit of everything southern overbearing mother, second chance, drama and a bit of mystery. Thank you to. NetGalley and HarperCollins/Harper Muse.

If you like Mary Kay Andrews, you're going to love this debut novel by Grace Helena Walz. It's funny and full of historic home renovation and decoration with a quirky cast of southern characters, chock-full of family disfunction and intrigue. The ending is a little too neatly wrapped up to be totally believable, but overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, cozy, southern read from a debut author I will be keeping an eye on in the future. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

This debut novel by Grace Helena Walz is a charming addition to the many books set in Charleston. Magnolia ("Mack") Bishop and her husband have a home design firm and a young child. But, Mack is in the middle of a divorce due to her husband's propensity for sending unsolicited 'personal' photos of himself to some of the PTA moms and she's learning to navigate a new world. And, with an unknown father and a mother who feels free to interfere in every step of her life, Mack is a bit stressed.

She and her firm lose the fellowship sponsored by the Charleston Historical Society due to a series of odd mishaps at the house. Hesitatingly, Mack accepts her mother's offer to redesign another historic house. Her mother can be overbearing and controlling but Mack needs the job. To top off the frustrations of dealing with the divorce, loss of the fellowship, her quest to learn who her her father is, and her mother's interfering with the new project, Mack is amazed when her old college boyfriend,(Lincoln Kelly, complete with a child the same age as her daughter, moves in next door. Linc has become a famous photographer based in New York. But he doesn't have a wife. So that's another mystery to be solved. On the plus side, Mack has a shot at being an HGTV star, which of course, she is pursuing.

In the tradition of Mary Kay Andrews and Dorothea Benton Frank, anyone who enjoys a Southern romance will enjoy this one.

Grace Helena Walz did a fantastic job of bringing Charleston to life, painting vivid pictures of its historic charm. After reading this novel, there’s no questioning why everyone who goes to CofC wants to stay in Charleston afterward. The messy dynamics of Mack's family added complexity to the story and the scenario felt realistic. While the home improvement show plot felt a bit out of place, it did provide moments of humor and light-heartedness and introduce us to some great side characters. The strongest writing was the romance between Mack and Lincoln and I almost wish this had just been a romance. Overall, this debut novel was an engaging and heartfelt read. As someone who went through CofC’s historic preservation program, I'm especially excited to see what this author has in store for us next.

This debut novel is a captivating exploration of the life of a Southern belle in the picturesque towns of Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina. The protagonist, Mack, navigates significant life changes while delving into the complexities of her relationship with her mother and her romantic entanglements. The author’s vivid characterization and humorous dialogue create an engaging narrative. The setting is meticulously described, capturing the essence of the era’s fashion and social dynamics. Ultimately, this novel presents a compelling family drama intertwined with romantic elements.

My first read of the new year was a delight! Grace Helena Walz has a winner with her debut novel, set in Charleston , SC (one of my favorite cities to visit!)
A fun, easy read with a few surprises, kept me engrossed in this book. Mack is a local interior designer, whose mother, Magnolia, has tried to run her life since the start. Mack has a seven year old daughter, a soon to be ex-husband, and her business associates Fitz and Maya who help her navigate life. It's written with a dual timeline, the present, and her time in college. Mack
The reader is taken along as Mack and her partners work on the design of a showhouse, and also are 'auditioning' for the spot in the most popular home design reality show , Exquisite Interiors. The house is completely restored and if you love home design, you will enjoy this novel. The architecture, the wood salvaging, the wallpaper, landscaping, cabinets, it's all here, along with some great characters.
Of course, there is a love interest for Mack, which connects with the dual timeline.
If you are a fan of MK Andrews and Kristy Woodson Harvey, you will love this book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel to find out what next project Mack works on.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

In the debut novel by Grace Helena Walz, Magnolia "Mack" Bishop is Southern by Design as she navigates Bishop Builds, her home preservation design firm in Charleston, South Carolina. Mack’s marriage is in a state of dissolution after her husband sent a body part photo of himself to another woman.

Though Mack’s firm misses out on a prestigious fellowship for historic preservation, she does secure a new design job thanks to her mother Magnolia Sr., a force to be reckoned with as she has always tried to control Mack’s life including pushing for a match with the husband Mack is now divorcing. Better than the design project is the opportunity it presents for a shot at a home improvement TV show, something Magnolia Sr. has no control over whatsoever, though she would like to be a co-host.

Her love life might be looking up as Mack takes a chance on an old love who returns to Charleston when she is in the thick of designing a wide Georgian mansion with a double porch. If left to romance on her own terms instead of a push from her mother, Mack would have married Lincoln Kelly 15 years ago before he left Charleston for a career in New York City. He is back in town with a young son, and Mack has some big decisions to make.

This contemporary romance comes out February 11, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Grace Helena Walz received a master’s in social work at the University of Houston and worked with children in foster care, as a medical social worker, and in a mental health capacity. She resides outside of Atlanta with her family.

Grace Helena Walz has been added to my list of must read southern chick lit authors! This debut novel was an easy fun read to start the year. I just wish I was on vacation in Charleston where the novel is based when I was reading it. If you like Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, and Kristy Woodson Harvey, then you will love this book.

Thank you Harper Collins Focus | Harper Muse for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Witty dialogue, fun romance, home renovation, and a reconciliation between a mother and daughter. As Mack works through her marital separation and pursues a once in a lifetime career opportunity, she gets a second chance at two important relationships in her life. It’s a fun read with some heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This was the cutest book! I really enjoyed watching Magnolia come into her own, both in business and in her love life. This was like a tried and true Dorothea Benton Frank book, and I can't recommend more highly! It just zipped right along and I really enjoyed reading it

<b>4.5 Glorious Stars </b>
This book seriously had me laughing out loud, crying my eyes out, and feeling all the emotions.
It has some sneaky husband, fun best friend, second chance love, an adorable child, an overbearing mother, and a great main character.
There was a little mention of some mystery in the book but, you don't get lost in that until it is revealed. I felt like I knew everyone so well and would love to be a fly on the wall at one of these family dinners.
Grace Helena Walz did a great job of allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the story. I can't wait to read more by her.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperMuse for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The daughter of a domineering, forceful, society mother finally has her chance to come out from under the thumb that pressures her into place. Mack loves her mother but bristles under her constant criticism and push to conform to the rules of the upper crust society of Beaufort and Charleston. Magnolia can be unfeeling and driven to control twenty-eight year old Mack.
The story relates the deep struggles between daughter and mother with all the mistakes and outcomes, delving into the impact of upper crust demands.
It is a great book to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The synopsis gives you a very, very good idea of what this book will be about. Of course, there is a HEA also, which you could see from a mile away! That is a comforting aspect of this novel.


I would have given this book more stars except for the fact that there was just a little too much 'plot' that really wasn't needed and that this author tried just a little too hard to write about the South, like author Mary Kay Andrews does. It didn't work for me. There were just too many things going on that weren't needed to get to the finish line. Everyone had some problem that needed Mack's attention, and Mack's mother was a caricature, which could sometimes be annoying.

It's predictable.

ARC supplied by the publisher Harper Muse/HarperCollins, the author, and NetGalley.

The debut novel "Southern By Design" by Grace Helena Walz is a dual timeline novel. Set in wonderful Charleston, SC, Walz is accurate in her descriptions. It showcases the dysfunctional relationship between the main character Mack (Mercedes) and her mother Mercedes. Also, another plot line is love lost and, hopefully, regained. Will Mack finally discover what makes her mom who she is? And, will this knowledge mend their relationship? Although a secular book, Walz keeps the novel clean and real to life.

Releases Feb 11th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars

Magnolia Bishop is descended from a long line of iron-willed Southern women with standards for behavior and a lot of other things. Her father was never in the picture and her mother, another Magnolia, won't even divulge his identity.

Magnolia moved away to get away from the expectations and has set up her own interior design and historic renovation business. She married her mother's best friend's son and is now divorcing him and raising her young daughter. She is struggling to get out from underneath her mother's judgment and manipulation.

In the middle of all this, a new neighbor moves in. She is stunned to discover it's her old love Lincoln who left 15 years ago to pursue his career dreams. He has a son and a wildly successful business. He and Mack dance around the awkwardness of their meeting again.

There are no big surprises here but it's easy to follow the characters and their development. Magnolia's mother in particular undergoes a transformation. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.