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]

Sweet yet very predictable family drama, with a mother and daughter at odds. Yet, they share the same name and ultimately, readers learn they share similar losses that re-order their lives when they least expect it. SOUTHERN BY DESIGN is filled with everyday details that place it firmly in the current time. Unfortunately, parts of the mother-daughter dynamic don’t feel modern; they feel more like the 1950s. I expected more of a light-hearted tale with Southern charm. Instead, the charm is light and the pathos heavy. The review copy I received was badly formatted and made reading and enjoying the book all that much harder. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

If you tell me a book is set in Charleston and involves a design show, I’m already in. But add in second-chance romance, family secrets, and a single mom fighting to break generational cycles? Hooked.
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 carve out a life on her terms. And just when she’s starting to find her footing, her first love moves in next door—also a single parent.
This story beautifully explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the pressure of Southern high society, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own narrative. Mack’s journey was deeply emotional, and I loved watching her grow into someone who put herself and her daughter first.
The romance? Perfectly paced. The family drama? So well done. And the twists toward the end? Didn’t see them coming.
If you love heartfelt, character-driven stories with depth, this one’s a must-read. Also—can we get more of Mack and her best friend? Because I need it.

SOUTHERN BY DESIGN is perfect for fans of women's fiction. Walz has crafted a charming family saga complete with southern mannerisms, home renovation/design, heartbreak, and family secrets. If you like Kristy Woodson Harvey, you will enjoy this one. A delightful read with a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

This book has everything you could possibly want in a novel; sexting, single parenthood, interfering mother, professional problems and the one that got away. Mack is a great character and her interactions with her mother, child and professional colleagues are on point. Will she succeed despite her mother’s interference? Is there a second chance with Lincoln? Read this one and find out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨ (3.75/5)

“I’ve got an overdue temper and an axe to grind.”

This one is described as 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.

When I first started it I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but I changed my mind as the book progressed and secrets came to light, especially in the 2nd half of the book.

I loved seeing the MC Mack grow into her own and fight for what she wanted…mostly ANSWERS.

When secrets are revealed they are devastating and even moreso because sometimes in life it’s too little too late BUT that doesn’t mean the world stops spinning, you have to dust yourself off and get back to it. The MC takes control of her life and puts her best foot forward.

I really thought the ending was well done and everything was brought to a solid conclusion even if certain aspects were sad/unfortunate.

It sort of reminded me of a more serious Homewreckers by MKA but with more focus on family dynamics and big southern design elements. It makes me want to go back to Charleston.

Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. The writing felt a bit juvenile and did not flow. The formatting also FYI made the book difficult to read and pulled me out of the story with each chapter break. Hopefully this book will work better for other readers!

As soon as I saw the setting was Charleston South Carolina, I just knew I would like it.
The book starting out with heirloom china being smashed it had my attention!
This story had so much in it that it kept my attention and turning the pages. I am all for reading books with second chance romance in it and this one was written perfectly. I am impressed that this is the author’s debut novel. I am looking forward to reading more by Grace Helena Walz.
Thank you NetGalley, Grace Helena Walz and HarperCollins Focus for the ARC of Southern by Design.