3.5 Stars. When the description says Sweet Magnolias meets Fixer Upper they weren’t lying. I received an ARC of the audiobook and felt like I was in an episode of Sweet Magnolias the whole time. Cute story.

Mack Bishop is divorcing her husband and business partner after a scandal. Despite this, she's focused on winning a prestigious design fellowship in Charleston. However, a disastrous house tour ruins her chances. Her controlling mother, Magnolia Bishop Sr., swoops in with a project, but with strings attached, including keeping the identity of Mack's estranged father a secret.

Mack sees a chance to prove herself when a TV network calls for local designers, and she pitches a home renovation show with a historic preservation twist. But she has to keep it a secret from her mother.

Things get more complicated when Mack's first love, Lincoln Kelly, moves in next door, bringing up old feelings from their past summer romance. He is the one she never forgot.

Southern by Design is a solid debut novel that combines humor, family dynamics, and personal growth.

While the novel may not deliver the heavy romance some readers might expect, it more than makes up for it with a compelling story about independence, overcoming obstacles, and carving out one's own path. Mack’s journey of professional and personal growth is a key focus, and her determination to succeed in a world that feels set up to keep her down is both inspiring and relatable.

That said, I do wish there had been more interaction with Lincoln and Foster. I feel there was lost potential by not having more interactions with all four of them.

I about died laughing every time Mack's mother was called Magnolia Sr.

Overall, Southern by Design is a promising start for the author. I'm excited to see what comes next and look forward to more from them in the future.

Amanda Stribling narrates the audiobook.

Oh, and I love the bright cover- it is gorgeous!

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

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.

I loved the southern drama, the family dynamics and the romance. Fun story that kept my interest and made me want to plan a trip somewhere south.

Mack Bishop has spent her entire life trying to appease her mother. Part of keeping her mother happy includes marrying her mother's best friend's son. Years later this marriage has come to its inevitable end. Mack is making the best of things and throwing herself into her business. Mack now has the opportunity to shine on her own. She is given the opportunity to have her own TV show featuring the old houses she restores.

When Mack is starting to settle into her new life, moving trucks show up next door. While trying to get a look at who is moving in, she notices it just isn't a random person next door. Her new neighbor is going to be her first love, the one that got away. As fate has it, they become close and eventually discover the truth behind the decision that pulled them apart so many years ago.

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the audiobook ARC

First of all I am usually not a fan of single narrator books but I did love this one. The narrator was great and I felt like she did a wonderful job capturing the main characters voice. I just don’t like when female narrators narrate male character parts. It messes with my head 🤣 but there was more of the female character than the male so it was ok.

A big huge complaint I have is that there was a 16 second pause between each chapter so it was frustrating at yikes to listen to because I kept thinking something was wrong with the book. I hope that gets fixed before it’s published fingers crossed 🤞🏻

As far as the story goes I loved it!!! I am a huge southern charm fan ok ok so a huge reality TV fan 🤫 so I loved this! The main character Magnolia “Mack” Bishop comes from southern elite. She’s trying to navigate that life and a divorce. It’s a beautiful story of growth and I will be buying the hard copy as a trophy when it comes out!

Southern By Design
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I Loved this book. It was a pure Southern delight. It transported me to the streets of Charleston. It was so fun & enjoyable. I loved the ending! It is filled with hope, Southern charm, fun, love, friendship, discovery, & even a horrible character that will drive you crazy.
Thank you NetGalley