Southern by Design

A Novel

De: Grace Helena Walz

Narrado por: Amanda Stribling

"With this Charleston-set debut novel . . . Grace Helena Walz has taken her place among such treasured Southern novelists as Dorothea Benton and Anne Rivers Siddons." --Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Summers at the Saint

"A story of second chances and long-lost love as atmospheric as the Lowcountry itself, this is a positively charming debut from a stand-out new voice. Add it to your TBR list immediately!" --Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of A Happier Life

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.

Magnolia "Mack" Bishop is staring down the barrel at single motherhood--thanks to an unsolicited personal picture her husband texted another woman that quickly went viral among every mom group in town. But she's determined to not let it distract her from the professional victory she's inches away from: securing Charleston's prestigious Historic Preservation Design Fellowship, the apple of every local designer's eye.

But when the final house tour is undone by a host of calamities, Mack's shot at the fellowship goes up in flames. Smelling blood in the water, Mack's mother, the original Magnolia Bishop, breezes in with a project lead--strings attached. If there's one thing Magnolia lives for, aside from maintaining her station atop the Southern social ladder, it's to control Mack's life . . . and that includes keeping the identity of the absentee father Mack never knew in the shadows.

While working for her mother is the professional equivalent of moving into one's parent's basement, Mack spots an opportunity to make it her own when a television network puts a call out for local designers. Pitching the home renovation TV pilot of her dreams--one with a historic preservation twist--might just be the way to finally prove herself. Still, she'll have to do it covertly to avoid her mother's interference.

Just when Mack finds her professional footing, at home she spots an impossibly familiar figure unloading his moving truck into the newly sold house next door. She is furious, floored, and regrettably flustered because Lincoln Kelly is the one who got away. Fifteen years earlier he was a summer romance she inadvertently fell in love with, and when he left, following his dreams to New York, Mack was broken-hearted.

Filled with characters who could step off the page and a reminder that nothing worth saving is beyond repair, this charming and delightful debut novel will resonate with listeners of Southern women's fiction by Mary Kay Andrews and Kristy Woodson Harvey.

©2025 Grace Helena Walz (P)2025 Harper Muse

Southern belles and bluster

This is yet another story about a southern woman with an overbearing mother and complicated relationships. At least some of the characters are appealing enough that you could almost put up with the hijinks. Having to read yet again about the manipulations of a conniving mother was a bit too much for me.

Fun beach read- similar to Mary Kay Andrew’s novels.

Really enjoyed this book. It was a bit predictable and not exactly original (reminded me of a Hallmark movie) but it quickly transported me to South Carolina. I loved listening to the vivid details of the area and the renovations of historic homes while following along with Mac’s story. If you like Mary Kay Andrew books you will enjoy this one too.

Light hearted and charming

If you’re looking for a book with a low country vibe this is it. Perfect banter between characters. Love the storyline.

Good Southern Story

Just good southern story. Slow down and enjoy a sweet tea and listen to a good story

Complicated relationships

I dislike having a homosexual relationship in the story. Wasn’t necessary to the story. Gratuitous addition just to woke society.

Such a beautiful Lowcountry tale

As someone who grew up in Charleston and now lives in Beaufort, the story was absolutely everything! I truly hope there is a follow up in the near future.

A Morher/Daughter Story

I enjoyed the story line about the daughter learning to accept and forgive her mother.

Very predictable

This was a very predictable story … though they never explained how her mother had a child out of wedlock and didn’t lose her “place” in high society

Great story, great narration!

A relatable, strong female character with a story that you can’t put down. Highlights the best of southern charm.

I was sure the narrator was Reese Witherspoon. Sounds just like her, certainly just as talented!

Magnolia Sr Could Be My Grandmother

I loved this story! It was the perfect combination of lightheartedness and drama. I didn’t want it to end.