This was a solid debut about a Southern mother-daughter pair, their contentious relationship plus a second chance romance. Told with flashbacks to the past, we get to see Mack's first love, Lincoln and how they lost out the first time around but get reunited again in the present when Lincoln buys the house next to Mack. With strong HGTV crossed with The notebook vibes and an Emily Gilmore esque mother, this book had plenty of drama plus a mystery involving the identity of Mack's birth father. Good on audio and recommended for fans of authors like Kristy Woodson Harvey. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: kissing only

Thank you for the advanced audiobook.

Can’t believe this is a debut novel. The. Characters were relatable m, fun and witty. I’ve never listened to a book. Narrated by Amanda Stribling. I enjoy the book however, the voice of the narrator wasn’t so pleasant.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to give this audiobook an advance listen. I really loved the narration and personality of each character. The plot wasn’t as dramatic as I was hoping for but it was still enjoyable.

I didn’t know Southern Fiction was a thing until recently but I feel like this is the perfect example of what’s so good about it (says the Canadian who is clueless about all things Southern.) Maybe it was the subtle Southern twang Amanda Stribling brought to her narration (I listened to the audio book) that added to the charm. In any case, both words and performance drew me in and kept me riveted.

Magnolia “Mack” Bishop is an intriguing character. Spunky and tenacious in some ways and infuriatingly submissive to her mama in other ways. Are all Southern Mamas like Magnolia Sr.? I shudder to thinks so! I spent a large part of the read fuming over that woman! Gah! I so wanted Mack to grow a backbone and stand up to her mother once and for all. I wanted a colossal ‘take that!’ moment and instead, Walz humbled me with the surprising twist towards the end. Sigh. My righteous indignation bubble was burst…but only somewhat. I’m still angsting over lots and lots of Magnolia Sr. moments because, no matter what happened in her past, she still made choices that, well…you need to read the book and angst right along with me!

There’s a rocky second chance romance that plays out in two timelines which was really interesting. We get to see the summer romance of fifteen years ago unfolding oh so sweetly until the train wreck happens all while watching Mack and Lincoln warily reconnecting as single parents in present day. I really enjoyed their journey to reconciliation, angst and all!

Loved the interior design/house flipping backdrop to the story — and the clever title that fits it to perfection. If you are an HGTV fan, this is definitely the book for you. Great details on design and historical restoration and the thrill of reality TV as well.

My thanks to Harper Muse Audibooks and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

I was so excited when Grace reached out and asked me to read her debut novel, Southern By Design! Fixer Upper and Sweet Magnolias vibes are right up my alley so this was a no brainer for me! Mack is a single mother after her husband sent an unsolicited picture to another woman. Mack also battles her mom, Magnolia, who tries to control Mack’s life by giving her opportunities but with strings attached. An opportunity comes along for a tv show that Mack jumps at and tries to hide form her mom so she doesn’t force her way on the show as well. As she is adjusting to this working relationship with her mom and the tv opportunity, her new neighbor moves in and it happens to be her high school boyfriend who left her for New York City. Their children become best friends and they end up spending so much time together that old feelings start to resurface. Will Mack finally get the love that she wants and the career?

Loveddd this one and it should be a must read for this summer. Perfect summer vibes in Charleston mixed with Fixer Upper and home renovations. It reminds me of Kristy Woodson Harvey books and I love her😍 I am now big Grace Helena Walz fan and look forward to whatever she writes next. Thank you @gracehelenabooks for this advanced copy! Southern By Design is out tomorrow, February 11!

The audiobook was excellent as well and I loved the narrator.

This book was good, but it could have been great. The chapters set in the past try to push what should have been a solid Lit Fic over into the Romance genre where it did not want to be. This is clearly a story about Mack and her mother Magnolia, not a story about Mack and the one that got away. If the past timeline chapters had told the story of Magnolia's past romance, it could have taken this from a book that was mediocre to one that was incredible. As a romance, it was an average 3 star read. As a story about 3 generations of southern women, it should have been a 5 star read. I'm falling in the middle and giving it a 4 here, but it's getting a 3.5 on most of my rating apps.

Mack is a young woman who is becoming a divorcee and a single mother while trying to save her Design business and win the Historic Preservation Design Fellowship. She had hoped winning would be a huge boost for her business. Her affluent Mother then comes in and tells her of a job she heard about and she wants to help with it. It seems the only thing her mom knows how to do is be a socialite that constantly criticizes her daughters choice in both business and her personal life. However she is keeping a secret. I felt bad that Mack has had to deal with a parent like that her whole life and was happy to see that is not how she treated her young daughter. A great heartfelt southern book that will make you smile and root for the underdog.

I was approved for the advanced reader copies of both the e-book and the audiobook(the narrator was great) of Southern by Design. I always love this because I can listen as much as I can and read the book at bedtime.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arcs.

What a fabulous debut! ALL the stars for this one - the setting, the characters, the dynamic…I loved it ALL!

If you enjoy home improvement reality shows that target restoring historic southern homes, this book may appeal to you. It's similar to Homewreckers, by Mary Kay Andrews, but without MK's humor.

There is the traditional southern family drama with a wealthy mother trying to control her daughter's life and make sure she marries into a prestigious family. When that marriage goes South, she is surprised that an old college summer fling conveniently moves in next door. There is not a whole lot of action but there is a conflict at the end that adds a bit of intrigue.

Southern by Design by Grace Helena Walz is a heartwarming and charming debut that effortlessly blends Southern charm with personal growth, second chances, and a dash of romance. The story follows Magnolia "Mack" Bishop, a woman navigating the messy aftermath of her husband's betrayal and the pressures of single motherhood, all while trying to carve out her own identity in the competitive world of historic preservation design in Charleston.

Mack’s journey is a blend of ambition, humor, and personal resilience, especially when she’s forced to work under the thumb of her overbearing mother. As she strives to prove herself professionally, Mack also grapples with a past romance when Lincoln Kelly, the man she once loved and lost, unexpectedly moves back into town. Their reconnection is both frustrating and magnetic, adding a delightful layer of emotional depth to the story.

The book beautifully captures the tension between family expectations and personal aspirations, all set against the backdrop of a rich Southern community. Walz’s writing is full of humor, heart, and relatable characters, making this a perfect read for fans of Sweet Magnolias and Fixer Upper. The themes of love, forgiveness, and finding your true calling will resonate with anyone who’s ever had to rebuild their life or chase their dreams on their own terms. A delightful debut that’s as refreshing as a sweet tea on a hot Southern day.

This southern story is so engrossing with interesting characters, and I soaked up every moment of it! Loved the twists and turns of how the plot unfolded, and definitely felt all the emotions of the main character. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good story!

Southern by Design by Grace Helena Walz – 4.5 ⭐

This book was so lovely! There was just so much to love and connect with—complex mother-daughter relationships (plus the absolute sweetest granddaughter), a slow burn second-chance romance, an interior design show (HGTV fans, this one's for you!!), and a then-and-now timeline that kept things interesting.

Oh, and let’s talk about the twists—there was another storyline that had some major surprises at the end, and I was fully invested! 😱.

The setting? Charleston, SC—a fave of mine for book settings. No spice in this one, but plenty of raw, real-life drama that felt so relatable. The writing was solid, and the audiobook narration? Chef’s kiss. 😘

I can't wait for this book to release so I can pick up a copy for my shelves.

Disclaimer: ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! If you love Hallmark movies and home renovation shows, this is the book for you. I loved the audiobook narrator, too, and felt that she gave an authentic Southern flair to the story.

I’m also a fan of books with flashbacks, which this book has and does well! A great debut!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Amanda Stribling does a wonderful job narrating this one and giving the audiobook a warm southern setting!

In Charleston, we meet Mack and her family. The story alternates between her present day career as a home restoration and designer and her former days in college. We meet her divorced husband and her daughter who they co-parent. This is a solid domestic drama that follows a single mom on a journey to rediscover herself while raising her daughter.

This is a fast paced, easy read that is enjoyable as well as entertaining.

The audiobook cover is absolutely gorgeous. I love the lowcountry setting where this novel takes place.

The plot was well thought out and well written. I love the interior design aspect of the show. The friendships and familial relationships in this novel are sweet. However, about halfway through the novel storyline of southern girl with southern overbearing controlling mom got a little old. The author wrapped it up nicely at the end, though.

The narrator for the audiobook had a perfect southern drawl- not too thick but just right.

This book was a breath of fresh air! Magnolia is an interior designer/historic renovation worker in the south. She gets her name from her mother who she has a strained relationship with and it’s only gotten worse since her divorce due to old money reputation and social politics debutants are taught. Magnolia is working hard as a newly single mother to break the generational trauma while also making a name for herself as a designer. There’s always been the question of who her father is haunting her all her life though since her mother has kept her lips sealed tight on it. When her one that got away moves in next door as a single father she knows it’s time to dig up the past with him and her mother and finally get some answers so she can move forward. This book displayed the social aspects of older generations of southern women well. Whether you come from money or not, the reputation of southern women and families are a big deal full of intricacies and social faux pas. This book did a wonderful job of addressing them and showing that causes the strain between Magnolia and her mother. It also does a beautiful job giving you the butterflies over a second chance romance with the one who got away while not making the pacing too drawn out or quick. Each character was interesting and had great written out personalities even if you didn’t like the character due to it. I would highly recommend this book for people looking for a reflective not spicy romance.

After reading the synopsis, I knew I had to dive in, especially since it promised a sweet second-chance romance. While I did enjoy the book overall, I found myself more intrigued by the "twist" toward the end. It left me wanting more details, and I honestly think the story would have been stronger had that twist been better developed and elaborated on throughout the book, rather than saved for the last 20%.

One aspect I struggled with was the character of Magnolia. Throughout the story, she’s portrayed as a difficult and unlikable person, and by the end, I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for her. The way her character was handled felt a bit jarring—she went from being depicted as terrible to suddenly being portrayed as a victim. This shift didn’t feel entirely earned.

The overall situation seemed to be one big miscommunication between all parties involved, and I couldn’t help but feel that no one took responsibility except Delta. I felt genuinely sorry for Delta, as she didn’t deserve the treatment she received, and I wish there had been more resolution for her.

While I would consider this a "clean" read overall, it does include mentions of a homosexual relationship and a few curse words (three to be specific). There was also a lack of separation in the timeline when reflecting on Mack and Lincoln’s past relationship, which made it a bit confusing, especially in the audiobook version. This might be clearer in the physical book, but the audiobook didn’t provide a clear distinction between the present and past.

I did enjoy the narration overall, but I did notice that the Southern accent started strong and then faded quickly, which was a bit distracting at times.

Overall, this was a decent read with an interesting premise, but I think it could have benefited from better pacing, more character development, and clearer timeline transitions. Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, and Harper Muse for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

Grace Helena Walz dazzles with her captivating debut, SOUTHERN BY DESIGN, set in the stunning historic Charleston, South Carolina, where family secrets are unraveled and familial bonds are tested.

“A delightful Southern gem! Full of heart, soul, secrets, humor, and Southern charm. A captivating, impressive debut for fans of Dorothea Benton Frank and Kristy Woodson Harvey.”

We follow a woman who is courageously pursuing her dreams, striving to build a life free from her mother's control and ex-husband while on a quest to find her biological father. As she navigates a new TV design remodel show, a business, and single motherhood, she also grapples with the aftermath of past love and the possibility of a second chance at romance that was once stolen from her years ago.

About...

Magnolia "Mack" Bishop owns Bishop Builds, and they have lost their Charleston fellowship. On top of that, her husband, Grady Edgar Suffolk, III, sent an unsolicited personal photo to a woman that has caused an embarrassing stir in Charleston.

After kicking her unfaithful husband out of her life, Mack is entangled in a web of complex relationships. Her mother, an influential and controlling figure, is best friends with her ex's mother. This intricate network of connections, coupled with past betrayals, adds a layer of tension and drama to the story.

She dreads going to her mom for help with a new historical project, the prestigious Daniel House. At least she has her seven-year-old smart daughter, Hallie, who speaks her mind. She has impeccable taste and is the highlight of her life.

Mack's mother, the original Magnolia Bishop of Beaufort, SC, of privilege, has strings attached to any project. She is all about social status and loves to control Mack's life. Mack does not need someone to micromanage her team. Her mom sits on the Carolina Historical Society Board, and half of her friends are tied up in the Charleston Historic Preservation Board. So there you go.

Mack has never given up trying to find her biological dad, but her mom always brushes her off.

She and her team, Fitz, her right-hand man (love him), an old college friend, and her staff are invited to do a TV series to cover the renovation. This opportunity could be a game-changer for her business, but she must keep this a secret from her mom as long as possible, adding another layer of complexity to her already complicated life.

Amidst the excitement of the new show, Mack finds herself navigating the complexities of being a single mom, dealing with Grady's lack of involvement, and getting distracted by the new neighbor next door.

This new neighbor is Lincoln, her past love who moved to NYC for a photography career, and his young son, now her daughter's best friend. Their unexpected reunion adds a new layer of past feelings and spice to Mack's life.

Mack's life is far from ordinary between her controlling mom, the challenges of renovating a historical home, the TV show, her ex, trying to find her father, and the rekindling of past feelings.

However, when a tragedy strikes, the mystery of the past will resurface, not just for Mack but also for her mom, potentially altering their lives. This unforeseen twist will test their relationships and force them to confront their past, leading to a dramatic and emotional climax.

My thoughts...

Oh, how I loved this book! From the stunning front cover to the allure of the historic Charleson, from design, a home reno TV show- Holy City Flip, heartbreak, new beginnings, Southern sass, family secrets of the past, self-discovery, a new romance, and second chances—SOUTHERN BY DESIGN has it all!

Grace deftly explores the familial ties that bind us — and those that have the power to break us. Walz is a significant new voice in Southern fiction and the real deal, folks.

When the past and present converge, it is explosive, heartbreaking, and compelling. Grace pulls the reader into the hearts and souls of her characters with ample emotions, secrets, privileges (haves and have not), and consequences—showcasing the lengths they go to protect their families and friends.

I loved the mystery, the family secrets, the design elements, the show, the humor, the well-developed characters, and all the things we love about women's Southern fiction. It is an impressive debut, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

This is a beautiful story for Valentine's and Mother's Day and an ideal choice for book clubs.

Interview...

Stay tuned for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A, where we go behind the book's scenes and the author—and Southern storyteller. (pub day, Feb 11)

Audiobook...

I had the honor of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook performed by the talented Amanda Stribling, enhancing the story with her Southern accent and charm. The characters come alive, keeping you glued to your AirPods while engaging and entertaining you with humor, adventure, family drama, mystery, and romance.

Recs...

SOUTHERN BY DESIGN is for fans of Dorothea Benton Frank, Victoria Benton Frank, Anne Rivers Siddons, Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Karen White, and Wendy's Wax's Ten Beach Road series (all favorites).

Thanks to Harper Muse and HarperCollins Focus for an ALC and ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 11, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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On a personal note: With a commercial design & architectural background, and later with website hotel and resort clients in Charleston for many years, I loved traveling there monthly to visit and spend time in this beautiful historic city. From the events, the history, the restaurants, food, shops, people, the atmosphere, charm, and architecture—it is one of my top Southern cities!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)

I’m always drawn to stories set in the South, so I was excited for this one—and for the most part, it delivered! The dynamic between Mack (Magnolia II) and her mom, Magnolia, was spot on, though I’ll admit it could be a little frustrating at times.

The story itself was a great mix of Fixer Upper and Sweet Magnolias, with a charming small-town setting, home renovation fun, and a mostly coming-of-age journey post-divorce. The characters were strong, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing them to life with distinct voices and accents.

If you enjoy Southern family drama (with a mama who has no boundaries), some lighthearted humor, and a sweet, closed-door second-chance romance, this is a delightful listen!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Southern by Design by Grace Helena Walz is a charming Southern women’s fiction debut with a strong, relatable lead in Magnolia “Mack” Bishop. I enjoyed the small-town setting and the mix of personal and professional challenges Mack faces. The family dynamics and romance add depth, but the plot and pacing felt predictable at times, and the romance didn’t fully captivate me. Overall, it was a solid read, but not as impactful as I’d hoped. 3.5 stars.